Kenyan striker Masoud Juma faces uncertainty at Esteghlal FC after the club’s South African head coach Pitso Mosimane decided to make a career-defining decision.
Kenyan forward Masoud Juma’s stint at Iranian club Esteghlal FC has taken an unexpected turn following the resignation of head coach Pitso Mosimane due to unpaid wages.
The South African tactician, who joined the club in October 2024, officially severed ties with the Iranian giants after months of financial disputes, leaving the team in a difficult position mid-season.
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Mosimane’s agency, MT Sports Marketing and Management, confirmed the departure, citing failed negotiations with Esteghlal’s management over outstanding salaries owed to him and his technical team.
“Despite numerous opportunities provided by MT Sports Marketing and 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,” read the agency’s statement seen by Pulse Sports.
Mosimane, a decorated coach who previously managed Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, departs Esteghlal while the club sits 11th on the Persian Gulf Pro League log.
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Under his leadership, the team had lost only three of their ten league matches, and he had successfully guided them into the next round of the Iranian Cup.
Masoud Juma, who joined Esteghlal last month on a seven-month deal, had only recently returned to competitive football after an Achilles tendon rupture left him sidelined for nearly a year.
The Kenyan striker made his debut in a recent fixture against Gol Gohar, coming on in the 70th minute as Mosimane sought late goals.
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However, with the departure of the South African coach, Juma now faces an unpredictable future at the club.
“Coach Pitso deeply appreciated the players, whose commitment and talent made every challenge worthwhile. The passionate support of the Esteghlal fans inspired Coach Pitso and made the South African technical team confident of the club’s success this season,” the statement added.
While Esteghlal remains in contention for the AFC Champions League, the club’s managerial instability could pose a challenge for Juma and his teammates.
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The Iranian giants are set to face Aluminium Arak in their next league match, and all eyes will be on how they respond to Mosimane’s abrupt departure.
Before joining Esteghlal, Juma had been without a club for nearly five months after parting ways with Saudi side Al Jabalain, following a long injury layoff.
The former Kariobangi Sharks striker resumed training with the Harambee Stars in October under then-head coach Engin Firat, who emphasized that his call-up was aimed at improving his fitness.
With Kenya set to face Gambia and Gabon in crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, Juma will be hoping to regain his form and secure a permanent spot in the national team setup.
His return to action in Iran was seen as a major boost, but Mosimane’s resignation now places fresh uncertainty on his role at Esteghlal.
