Mosimane cajoles his Esteghlal FC charges to fight like soldiers

South African coach Pitso Mosimane has challenged his Esteghlal FC's charges to roll up their sleeves like soldiers and fight for their survival in the 2024/25 Iran Persian Gulf Professional League (PGPL).

Tehran Times newspaper quoted the South African saying this on Friday in a pre-match interview for the Blues' league game which they won 1-0 against Mes Rafsanjan on Saturday.

“We want to win the match and return to winning ways that’s why I am here. So many key players have been sidelined due to injury but I would rather concentrate on the current team than protest the situation,” Mosimane is quoted as saying.

“We are like a soldier and want to get out of the situation. The only thing that makes me worry is the mentality of the players. Can they fight and win? Let us see tomorrow [Saturday] against match.”

Esteghlal players responded to the ex-Bafana Bafana handler's call through the home win over Mes Rafsanjan courtesy of Abolfazl Zamani's 10th-minute strike.

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The result earned the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss his first win in three games of all competitions since taking charge of the limping PGPL heavyweights last month.

Esteghlal's third league win in 10 games saw the Blues jump four places up the log table, from 14th to 10th taking their tally to 11 points, two points in front of the 14th-placed Mes. Sepahan lead the standings of the 16-member log table with 21 points. Nassaji Maza anchor the table with six points.

The 60-year-old joined Esteghlal FC late last month after having coached Abha Club in Saudi Arabia last season.