Pitso Mosimane left Iranian side Esteghlal FC over unpaid wages it was announced this week. The South African coach was subject to opposition from the fans and was at a crisis meeting last week.
Esteghlal are winless in their six Gulf Pro League games as they drew five times. Their last win came against Mes Kerman in the Hazfi Cup round of 16 back in mid-December.
Mosimane left Saudi side Abha to join the Iranian giants but the plan has not worked as he favours it. He is owed to months of salary to add to the problems he has faced in Iran. His departure was imminent media reports in Iran suggested. In addition, Mosimane had to leave the country to open a bank account in the United Arab Emirates which drew the ire of Esteghlal supporters at both Mosimane and the club.
EDIT: Esteghlal have put out a statement on their social media channels expressing surprise at Mosimane's sudden departure and responding to claims that they failed to make payments to Mosimane. The club claims that all dues have been paid and that after opening his bank account in the UAE, Mosimane returned to training where he thanked the club's management for their support. After training, the club claims that Mosimane unilaterally terminated his contract and that dues of $81,000 would be paid to him tomorrow, something that was not possible on Tuesday due to the closure of banks.
Mosimane coached Jeddah based club Al Ahli Saudi to promotion back to the Saudi Pro League. He also worked at Abu Dhabi club Al Wahda. His heyday was at his South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in his native country and also with Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
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