Pitso Mosimane close to landing new job in the Gulf

Published on by Joel Oliver

Pitso Mosimane is reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Iranian club Esteghlal Khuzestan to become their new coach.

Multiple reports say the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach could finalise a deal any time to take over at the Ahvas-based club in what would see him return to the Gulf where his last three jobs have been.

Esteghlal Khuzestan are in ninth place in the Iranian top division, with as many points from eight matches, and the club hierarchy are not happy with their start to the season, which has yielded just two wins, and have identified Mosimane as the man to revive their fortunes.

Mosimane has vast experience in the Gulf

The club recorded their second win on Thursday when they beat Mes Rafsanjan FC 3-2 but they are still seven points from leaders Sepahan, who have played one match less.

It would not be a walk into the unknown for Mosimane, if he agrees to sign for the club, given he has worked in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates since leaving Egyptian giants Al Ahly in July 2022.

‘Jingles’ handled Al Ahly Jeddah, leading them to promotion back to the Saudi Pro League in the 2022-23 season, before taking over Al Wehda in the UAE and worked at Abha, back in Saudi Arabia, failing to save them from relegation before leaving in June.

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United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi – 05 February 2022 – manager Pitso Mosimane of Al-Ahly during the FIFA Club World Cup 2nd round match between Al-Ahly and C.F. Monterrey at Al-Nahyan Stadium, UAE, 05/02/2022. Photo by Ayman Kamel/SFSI Al-Ahly v C.F. Monterrey – FIFA Club World Cup 2nd round Copyright: xAymanxKamel/SFSIx

The three-time CAF Champions League winner recently expressed a desire to take over a national team but seems to have decided to continue with club football in the Gulf if the reports of an agreement with Esteghlal Khuzestan are to be believed.

Formed in 2011, Esteghlal Khuzestan have won the Persian Gulf Pro League (Iranian top flight) once in 2015-16, and play their home matches at the 38,900-seater Ghadir Stadium which is owned by Iran National Steel Industrial Group.

They finished 14th in the 16-team league last season and that poor record is what Mosimane will be tasked with changing.

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.