After a whirlwind coaching journey that’s taken him across the continent, Rulani Mokwena might be coming full circle—and fans of Orlando Pirates are paying attention.
Recently let go by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, the 38-year-old coach is back in South Africa and already being linked to a familiar destination: the Buccaneers.
A Reunion on the Cards?
Appearing on Soccer Africa on SuperSport TV, Mokwena didn’t hold back when asked if he’d consider coaching Orlando Pirates again.
His answer? A clear and heartfelt yes. “Of course, I would consider it,” he said.
“It’s a big club, and there are people there who are very close to my heart.”
One of those people is Dr Irvin Khoza, the Pirates chairman, whom Mokwena spoke about with deep respect.
“Dr Khoza will always have a special place in my heart,” he shared.
Past Ties to the Buccaneers
For those who may not remember, Mokwena briefly held the reins at Pirates in 2019 after the surprise exit of Micho Sredojevic.
It was a short but significant stint—he led the team in 14 matches, securing four wins, five draws, and five losses before being succeeded by Josef Zinnbauer in December that same year.
After parting ways with Pirates, Mokwena went on to have spells at Chippa United and eventually found great success at Mamelodi Sundowns, first as an assistant and later as co-head coach, and eventually sole head coach.
His tenure with the Brazilians cemented his reputation as one of the continent’s top football minds.
Learning from Africa’s Elite
In the interview, Mokwena also reflected on the mentors who shaped his journey.
He named three football leaders who had a major influence on him: “Dr Khoza is number one.
Then there’s Patrice Motsepe, from whom I learned so much at Sundowns.
And finally, Hicham Ait Menna, the president of Wydad. I enjoyed working with him.”
These relationships, he said, have helped him grow not just as a coach, but as a leader.
Is the Timing Right for a Pirates Return?
With the coaching seat at Pirates still unfilled, and Mokwena now a free agent, the timing might be just right for a reunion.
Whether fans are ready to welcome him back, though, remains to be seen.