Rulani Mokwena Celebrates His 38th Birthday Amid His Continued Success in South African and Moroccan Football

Today marks a special occasion for one of South Africa’s most respected football coaches, Rulani Mokwena, who turns 38.

Born on January 9, 1987, Mokwena has made a name for himself in both local and international football.

From humble beginnings in Soweto, his rise to coaching success has been nothing short of remarkable.

Mokwena’s Legacy at Mamelodi Sundowns

Rulani Mokwena’s journey in football coaching started with a youth coaching role at Platinum Stars, which eventually saw him promoted to first-team assistant coach.

However, it was his time at Mamelodi Sundowns that truly cemented his legacy.

As an assistant to the legendary Pitso Mosimane, Mokwena helped Sundowns achieve tremendous success, including four Premier Soccer League titles and a CAF Champions League victory.

After Mosimane’s departure, Mokwena took on a more prominent role as assistant coach under Manqoba Mngqithi.

Together, they guided Sundowns to another league title.

But Mokwena’s next move was even more significant—he was promoted to head coach, where he led the team to an additional three league titles and the prestigious African Football League Championship.

A Challenging Departure and New Beginnings

Despite Mokwena’s undeniable success at Sundowns, his tenure ended on a dramatic note.

After a loss in the CAF Champions League semi-finals to Tunisia’s Esperance in May 2024, Sundowns decided to part ways with Mokwena.

There were reports that his departure was tied to a controversial signing of Thembinkosi Lorch, which allegedly went against the club’s management’s wishes.

After leaving Sundowns, Mokwena found a new challenge at Moroccan football powerhouse Wydad Casablanca.

Currently, his team is in sixth place, with a mixed record of seven wins, six draws, and four losses. Despite the challenges, Mokwena remains a well-respected figure in the football world.

A Historic Record and Unbeaten Streak

Mokwena’s time at Sundowns left an indelible mark on the club’s history.

His first match as head coach was a dominant 5-0 win against Maritzburg United.

He went on to set a new South African record with an incredible 53-match unbeaten streak in the league—a feat that remains etched in South African football history.

It was only on the final day of the season, when Sundowns lost to Cape Town City, that the streak was broken.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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