Pitso Mosimane opens up after leaving 'messy Esteghlal' - 'I had to protect my brand and name! I had to protect my 26 years in football'

Esteghlal started the season on a low note, struggling to deliver domestically and in continental competition.

Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosiamne - who was a free agent after his contract with Abha expired - agreed to take over the sinking ship.

To some extent, he managed to bring stability, and even went nine games across all competitions without tasting defeat.

However, his relationship with the club soured over allegations of non-payment.

After a protracted battle to get paid his dues, Mosimane left after claiming a breach of contract by the two-time AFC Champions League champions.

Some officials associated with Esteghlal were unhappy with the decision and wanted 'Jingles' to stay, while others claimed Mosimane had only joined to 'come for money & complaints' and the South African coach was savaged in the media by the club's CEO.

Since his return to South Africa, Mosimane had kept his council but now, in a new interview with a national radio station, he has explained why he felt it was necessary for him to quit.

“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 5FM.

“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 a 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," Mosimane added.

Mosimane has further stated Esteghlal was in a mess, and the environment was not conducive for him.

“It’s one of the biggest clubs in Asia, but the team was a mess to be honest.

“What I found to have to change. The transition was good, we were doing well to change. It was a team that’s not well-looked after. You know when a big team like Man United is not doing well, but you can see that the structure is good, it’s looked after, you can still buy players and all that.

“But there we needed more than playing personnel, it will take time, but that’s why I went there, because I knew what I came for.

“But when you don’t find resources and back-up to do what you think you could do, then it becomes a problem," Mosimane concluded.

Mosimane has not had a stable team since his exit from Al Ahly in 2022.

With his experience, chances of getting another team are high.

However, his reputation has taken a bit of a dent after he is considered to have failed in his last four jobs at Al Ahli Jeddah, Al Wahda, Abha FC and now Esteghlal.

It is crucial he makes the right decision on his next club to prove to his critics that he still has what it takes to deliver at the highest level.