After parting ways with Wydad Athletic Club, Rulani Mokwena is back on South African soil—and it hasn’t taken long for speculation to heat up about his next move.
One possibility? A return to a familiar home: Orlando Pirates.
A Familiar Face in the Coaching Carousel
Mokwena, now 38, has popped back onto the local football radar after his recent exit from Wydad Casablanca.
With Orlando Pirates currently searching for someone to fill their vacant head coach position, many are wondering if Mokwena could be the one to step in.
And by the sound of it, he’s open to the idea.
Speaking during a guest appearance on SuperSport TV’s Soccer Africa, Mokwena didn’t hold back when asked about the Pirates role. “Of course, I would consider it,” he said with a grin.
“It’s a big club. There are people at Pirates who still mean a lot to me.”
His Brief, Tumultuous Stint with the Buccaneers
This wouldn’t be Mokwena’s first dance with the Sea Robbers.
Back in 2019, he stepped up after Micho Sredojevic’s sudden departure.
It was a brief but intense chapter: 14 matches in charge, with a record of four wins, five draws, and five losses.
While it wasn’t exactly a dream run, it laid groundwork for his coaching career.
By December that same year, Mokwena was replaced by Josef Zinnbauer and later joined Chippa United before making a pivotal move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Growing into a Coaching Giant
Mokwena’s time at Mamelodi Sundowns was where he truly flourished.
Starting as an assistant coach, he climbed the ranks to co-coach and eventually became the head coach.
Under his leadership, Sundowns dominated the local league scene—his tactical acumen and leadership becoming well-respected across the continent.
Although his recent stint at Wydad didn’t last long, Mokwena is now a seasoned coach with a strong resume, ready for his next challenge.
A Deep Respect for Football’s Power Players
When reflecting on his coaching journey, Mokwena spoke about the people who helped shape his career.
“I’ve learned from the three best football leaders on the continent,” he said. “Dr Irvin Khoza is number one.
Patrice Motsepe taught me incredible things at Sundowns. And I truly enjoyed working with Wydad’s president, Hicham Ait Menna.”
It’s clear that his connection with Dr Khoza, the influential Orlando Pirates chairman, remains strong—and that could play a role in any future decision.
Fans Have Mixed Feelings
Now the big question is: should Pirates take him back? Fans are split—some see his previous tenure as underwhelming, while others recognize how much he’s grown since then.
With the coaching seat still open, it’s possible we’ll find out sooner rather than later.
Would you welcome Rulani Mokwena back to Orlando Pirates? The conversation is ongoing, and supporters are weighing in across social media and chat groups.
