Navidkia named new Mes Rafsanjan manager
Sepahan legend and former international midfielder Moharram Navidkia has made a dramatic return to the Iranian top-flight football as he was appointed as the new head coach of the Persian Gulf Pro League club Mes Rafsanjan.
Navidkia takes over from Saket Elhami, who stepped down from his role in the midseason, following a run of below-par results and performances in the league.
Mes last played to a 1-1 draw at home against defending champion Persepolis on January 1, which ended the club’s five-game losing streak.
Mes is 10th in the league table with 15 points, five points above the relegation zone.
A five-time Iranian champion and an AFC Champions League finalist as the Sepahan player, Navidkia made his managerial debut in 2020, steering Sepahan to a runner-up finish in the league before paring ways with the club after his team stood third in the table by the end of the following campaign.
He led Sepahan to 41 wins in 75 outings, while leaving the pitch empty-handed on 16 occasions.
Navidkia’s first game on Mes bench will come at home against Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Iranian Hazfi Cup on Friday.