Last month, coach Pitso Mosimane joined Iranian club Esteghlal FC, prompting football enthusiasts and pundits to question whether it was a good move considering the extreme challenges he could face in the country.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor is a well-traveled coach, having worked in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, but there were special concerns in Iran including the ongoing political conflict with Israel.
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However, former Brazilians midfielder Roger Feutmba believes that the former Al Ahly coach made a well-informed decision to move to Iran. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, the Cameroonian, who had also played in Europe, said that it's about seizing opportunities and making a living.
"You know in football and mainly in coaching you go where there is a need. You can't let an opportunity like that one pass you by. It's about gaining experience for him in a different environment. As a coach you have to be ready at all times and go (where you have) to make a living. It's about work after all," Feutmba told the Siya crew.
Regarding concerns about Mosimane's security and safety in Iran due to political conflict, Feutmba said that, he believes, Mosimane went there thinking that he might be relatively safe.
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"Of course, that's the first thing I believe he looked at and when he saw that he was secure and safe then he took the job. But, also, remember he is not staying in the streets where there is mainly fighting and the team makes sure that all their staff are safe as well. So, I don't think that is the main thing to worry about, for him," Feutmba concluded.
Mosimane experienced a challenging start to life in Iran, losing his first three league games before finally collecting three points in his fourth game.
As Mosimane continues his journey with Esteghlal FC, the support from former players like Feutmba highlights the importance of seizing opportunities and gaining experience in challenging environments.
