Pitso Mosimane, previously of Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, has revealed that his departure from Iranian club Esteghlal FC was driven by the need to protect his brand.
Meanwhile, his management agency, MT Sports, cited unpaid salaries following his exit last month.
The South African coach's brief 14-game spell at Esteghlal yielded three wins, four losses, and several draws.
The team seemed to be doing well under Mosimane, however, unpaid salaries became an issue. ‘Jingles’ has now confirmed that these financial issues ultimately necessitated his departure.
MOSIMANE BREAKS SILENCE ON ESTEGHLAL’S EXIT
“A big team in Iran, a big team in Asia. We just played [AFC] Champions League with Cristiano Ronaldo’s team, we played with Neymar’s [former] team, we played with Riyad Mahrez’s team,” he told Xoliswa Zondo on 5FM as quoted by iDiski Times.
“For me as an African coach there is nothing bigger than that. You play with big teams, big coaches, who won [Copa] Libertadores, who won leagues. Everybody who is not in the Premier League is in that space.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t end very well because I had to terminate the contract because I had to protect the brand, I had to protect my name, I had to protect the 26 years I’ve put in football.
“I don’t think I should’ve just stayed unpaid. I’ve got children here, I need the funds and resources. I need to help my young boys – I’ve got seven-year old, I’ve got a hundred coaches here [at PMSS], it’s a lot, I’ve got 100 salaries to pay.
“More than that, in fact, also the office and everybody. So, we have to get paid for the job we’ve done. We’ve done well. Good club, and big vibe.”
