Pitso Mosimane has hinted that he is open to extending his stay with Iranian football giants Esteghlal, after successfully turning around the team's fortunes.
The 60-year-old South African coach has garnered praise for his leadership, which has injected new energy into Esteghlal's performances, and Iranian media report that his efforts have sparked interest from other clubs, including Egypt's Zamalek.
However, despite speculation surrounding his future, Mosimane has made it clear that he is keen to remain with Esteghlal if the right offer is made. Speaking to journalists, he admitted that there had been discussions with the club's president about a potential contract renewal, although no formal offer has been presented yet.
"I'm glad you asked me about my contract. I made a mistake saying that nobody has spoken to me. But I did speak to the President, although we didn't speak about the contract details. He just said that he would like us to renew the contract. He did ask me, to be honest," Mosimane explained.
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He added, "We will see, but I'm here, I like to stay here. If the contract is on the table, I think we can talk. There's nothing on the table. If it is on the table, I won't take too long to decide – but I want to stay here and help this team. They deserve to be a better team. They play well and you can see it, they push the ball well, it's not like before I came. They have energy, they want to win, and they want to fight."
Mosimane, who has a reputation for revitalising teams and instilling a winning mentality, has clearly seen potential in Esteghlal and is committed to helping the team continue its progress. He emphasised that his decision to stay with the club is not influenced by the social or political landscape in Iran, saying that he feels comfortable in the country.
"Don't stress about other countries, I have no problem to stay in Iran. I have no problem with the social life and the lifestyle. I'll only have a football problem, if the football is good, because I am a football person. Everyone told me that Iran is not safe, it's not a good place, there are sanctions and all that. I'm good, I like Iran, no problem," Mosimane stated.
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The former Al Ahly coach has clearly made a strong impact in Iran, and his comments suggest he is open to remaining with Esteghlal if the club presents a formal contract. While interest from other teams may arise, Mosimane's priority appears to be ensuring Esteghlal's continued growth, both on and off the field. For now, the ball seems to be in the club's court to make a move towards securing his future.
