Former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has parted ways with Esteghlal FC, an Iranian club, due to two months of unpaid salaries.

In a lengthy letter released by his management company on Wednesday morning, Mosimane formally notified the club of his departure, as stipulated by FIFA regulations.

“With immediate effect, esteemed coach Pitso Mosimane officially parted ways with the Iranian topflight side Esteghlal FC due to unresolved salaries owed to him and his technical team. This difficult decision comes after extensive efforts to address the matter,” the statement said.  

“Despite numerous opportunities provided by MT Sports Marketing & Management, coach Pitso’s management team, to resolve the matter—starting with initial discussions with the former CEO of the club last year, followed by a formal default notice delivered on 1 January 2025—Esteghlal FC failed to address the issue. 

“In good faith, coach Pitso and the technical team extended a 15-day deadline as per the FIFA rules, to allow the new CEO and Board time to familiarize themselves with the situation and remedy the outstanding payments.  

“However, the club did not resolve within the deadlines they set for themselves. Coach Pitso Mosimane and his technical team are still owed more than two months’ salaries. 

“Coach Pitso deeply appreciated the players, whose commitment and talent made every challenge worthwhile.  

“Esteghlal FC remains a contender for the AFC Champions League, with the highlight being the draw against the star-studded Al Ahli FC in Saudi Arabia, also a former team of coach Mosimane, which he assisted in promoting back to the Saudi Pro League. 

“Esteghlal FC currently sits 11th on the Persian Gulf Pro League log standings. In the 10 league games of the Pro League, under Coach Mosimane’s leadership, the famed Iranian club had lost only three league fixtures. 

“They have also been able to qualify the team for the next round of the Iranian Cup. The passionate support of the Esteghlal fans inspired coach Pitso and made the South African technical team, consisting of Maahier Davids, Musi Matlaba, Kabelo Rangoaga, and Kyle Solomon, confident of the club’s success this season. 

“Moving forward, the appropriate processes will be followed to resolve this matter. Coach Pitso remains committed to the values of football excellence and looks forward to pursuing new opportunities to continue contributing to the game.” 

Mosimane, who joined the Persian Gulf Pro League club in October of last year, oversaw 14 matches, achieving three victories, four losses, and seven draws.