Renowned South African coach Pitso Mosimane has provided a major update on his future at Esteghlal FC amid links to top African clubs such as Moroccan champions Raja Club Athletic and Egyptian giants Zamalek. 

The three-time CAF Champions League winner took over the hot seat at The Capital Blues in October on a short-term contract that would see him in charge until the end of the season as he bids to help the Iran outfit rediscover their best form. 

While he had a tough start to his tenure at Esteghlal with three consecutive defeats, Mosimane’s troops are currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions although their winning streak in the league was halted by Gol Gohar in a goalless draw on Monday. 

Now, the former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor has clarified where his future lies with his project at the Persian Gulf Pro League team starting to pick up much-needed momentum after the club had an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 campaign. 

“I’m happy you asked me about the contract because [the day before the Gohar match] I made a mistake. I think somebody asked me if there are any talks about a new contract and I said nobody has spoken to me, ” Mosimane said. 

“I made a mistake; I spoke to the president, but we didn’t talk about the contract details. He just said that he would like us to renew the contract, he did ask me to be honest. We will see, I’m here, I like to stay here. 

“If the contract is on the table, I think we can talk, it’s not on the table, so the day it’s on the table I will never take too long to decide but I want to stay here. I want to help this team; they can be a better team – they deserve to be a better team, ” he added. 

Mosimane went on to reserve special praise for his charges and said that he takes no issue in living in the Middle East despite being warned against moving to Iran due to the ongoing conflict they have with Israel. 

“You can see they play well, they push the ball well, it’s not like before when I came. They have energy, they want to win, they want to fight, they are fighting. Don’t stress about other countries, I have no problem staying in Iran, ” asserted the 60-year-old tactician. 

“We don’t have a problem with social life and the lifestyle, I have a football problem. If the football is good [then we are fine], I’m a football person. Everybody was speaking about Iran, It’s not safe, it’s not the right place, some things and all that. I’m good, I like Iran no problem.” 

Meanwhile, Esteghlal remains in eighth place on the log standings with 15 points collected – 13 behind league leaders Tractor as they gear up for their next encounter against Aluminium Arak at Imam Khomeini Stadium on Friday afternoon.