‘It’s A Happy Ending’ - Harambee Stars Forward Bids Farewell to Iranian Club After Cup Win

Masoud Juma has left Iranian club Esteghlal. Photos: Masoud Juma Instagram

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Kenyan striker Masoud Juma while at Iranian club Esteghlal.

‘It’s A Happy Ending’ - Harambee Stars Forward Bids Farewell to Iranian Club After Cup Win

Joel Omotto 11:15 - 30.05.2025

Harambee Stars striker Masoud Juma has ended his spell at Iranian club Esteghlal in fine fashion after winning a cup in his final match.

Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma has ended his spell with Iranian club Esteghlal in victorious fashion after claiming the Hazfi Cup.

Juma had signed a short contract until the end of the season, although it had an option to extend by a further year, if he impressed in Iran.

However, three goals in 17 games across all competitions has seen Esteghlal decide to cut ties with the Kenyan striker but he leaves with a medal after the club managed to seal the Hazfi Cup on Thursday.

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Esteghlal took on Malavan in the cup final and secured the trophy thanks to Roozbeh Cheshmi’s extra-time strike.

Kenyan forward bids Esteghlal farewell

Masoud Juma has left Irianian club Esteghlal. Photo: Esteghlal

Juma had been handed a start by coach Mojtaba Jabbari, an opportunity to say his perfect goodbye, and he managed 77 minutes before he was taken off for Joel Kojo.

“It’s a happy ending. Thanks to the blues fans. See you guys in the other side,” Juma posted on Instagram.

The player had already announced his impending departure early in the week, penning a heartfelt farewell to Esteghlal supporters.

“I hate to say goodbye but when the time is right, we say,” the Harambee Stars forward had written on Instagram.

“First I want to say thank you to all of you whom supported me since I arrive and sorry to those whom I didn’t meet your expectations. I come here at a time I was coming from a big injury, it wasn’t easy but I never give up, the timing wasn’t right. I endorse good and bad moment(s) but all make me strong and give hunger to work.

What Next for Masoud Juma?

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Masoud Juma will have to look for a new club.

“Happy that we have one last dance and it will be a proper way to say my goodbye to you all, the bluez fans deserve it,” he added ahead of the Hazfi Cup final.

The former Kariobangi Sharks striker had been lured to Iran by South African coach Pitso Mosimane last December before the tactician left Esteghlal in January over late payment of his salaries.

That left Juma, exposed somewhat, and with an injury also striking, it made matters worse, the club deciding to end his short spell at the end of the season.

The former Cape Town City striker is familiar to the Middle East region as he had previously played in the Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco and Saudi Arabia before moving to Iran and could remain in the Gulf.