Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena Appointing former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena would not be a bad move for Soweto giants Orlando Pirates, who announced on Thursday that Jose Riveiro will be leaving at the end of the season. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
With Jose Riveiro set to depart Orlando Pirates at the end of the season, the club has a crucial decision to make regarding his successor.
One intriguing option would be to bring back a familiar face — Rulani Mokwena, a highly regarded coach who is currently at the helm of Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca but finds himself under immense pressure.
As things stand, it looks like Mokwena’s time in North Africa is coming to an end. If he does end up being given the boot, he could very well see himself back in South Africa. And Orlando Pirates would be the perfect place for him.
You see, Mokwena is Orlando Pirates royalty. His father Julius “JJ” Sono is a club legend. His uncle Jomo Sono is arguably the greatest player to don the famous black and white jersey.
Ten years ago, Mokwena’s father Julius Sono lost a bitter legal battle for the ownership of the club. But despite that, Mokwena still went on to spend three years with the club, serving as an assistant coach to Milutin Sredojevic from 2017, and had a brief stint as interim coach in 2019.
It was at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he started his coaching career in 2014, and returned in 2020 after his time with Pirates, that Mokwena learned his trade and became one of the best tactical minds in South African football.
Under head coach Pitso Mosimane, he sat back and learned from the master, and when he took the wheel following Jingles’ departure, Mokwena thrived, leading the club to two league titles, one in which they fell agonisingly short of invincibility.
This season has seen the 38-year-old in charge of Morocco’s biggest club Wydad Casablanca and he has had a baptism of fire. The club are currently third in Botola Pro 1, and trail league leaders RSB Berkane by a massive 18 points. That has left the club’s fans to start calling for his head.
So, it’s possible that Mokwena will be out of a job come the off-season.
While Mosimane is seen by many as the perfect man to take over from Riveiro, the Prodigal Son that is Mokwena should be a close second. And having such a good CV at such a young age could even tip the scales in his favour.
Bringing Mokwena back to Orlando Pirates would not only be a sentimental homecoming but also a strategic masterstroke. He understands the club’s DNA, has grown immensely as a coach, and possesses the tactical acumen to take the Buccaneers to the next level.
With his experience at Sundowns and Wydad, he has been exposed to high-pressure environments and continental football at the highest level. If Pirates are serious about reclaiming dominance in South African football and challenging consistently in the CAF Champions League, then a Mokwena reunion could be the bold, forward-thinking move they need.
IOL Sport
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