With Pitso Mosimane's Esteghlal FC continuing to struggle for consistent results, a former club star has urged the team to support the South African coach and give him time to achieve long-term success.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns boss has managed just one win in his first five matches in charge, drawing one and losing the rest.
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In their most recent fixture, an AFC Champions League clash against Uzbek side Pakhtakor FC on Monday, Esteghlal were held to a goalless draw, extending their winless run in the competition to four games.
Domestically, the Capital Blues sit in 10th place in the league standing. However, former Esteghlal striker Edmond Akhtar remains optimistic, crediting Mosimane with starting to make a positive impact on the club despite the challenges.
"Esteghlal, despite having many problems since the beginning of the season, reached the match against Pakhtakor," Akhtar said, as quoted by Tarafdari."Before reaching the middle of the season, Mosimane became the team's third coach, so we must judge Esteghlal's performance against Pakhtakor by considering the realities.
"We shouldn't have expected to win, but overall, we saw a good and logical game from Esteghlal, especially considering that Mosimane has been the coach for only a month and is using young and unknown players."
Akhtar also highlighted the team's injury woes in the Pakhtakor match, emphasising that the result was acceptable given the circumstances.
"Esteghlal had many injuries against Pakhtakor, and considering all aspects, the result was not bad," he continued.
"On the other hand, Esteghlal's name is at stake, and the fans' expectations are high. They expect promotion and even a championship.
"But in reality, Mosimane needs more time to get to know his team and weigh all the options.
"The only advantage Mosimane has is that he doesn't feel the pressure of being an Iranian coach at Esteghlal, so he can use young players more comfortably, build good assets for Esteghlal's future, and we can expect results from him over time.
"Therefore, Mosimane should remain Esteghlal's coach next season, as he will gain excellent knowledge and create very good young players."
Akhtar believes the club must look beyond short-term results and give Mosimane the backing needed to succeed.
"Provided that the management supports Mosimane, he can succeed with Esteghlal, as he can build a very strong team," he added.
"Just don't be short-sighted and give Mosimane space and time. I'm sure he can build a strong Esteghlal, as the positive effects of his presence are already felt in the team," Akhtar concluded.
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