Watch Sundowns’ inspirational co-coach Rhulani Mokwena video

Sundowns’ inspirational co-coach Rhulani Mokwena. Image: Twitter/Rhulani Mokwena

Mokwena reflects: Turning down Pitso, Al Ahly was difficult, but best choice

Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has opened up on the decision to turn down an offer to once work with Pitso Mosimane in Egypt.

by Craig Lewis

28-07-2022 14:55

in Soccer

Sundowns’ inspirational co-coach Rhulani Mokwena. Image: Twitter/Rhulani Mokwena

Mokwena has previously served as an assistant manager at Sundowns and Pirates and in 2019, he became interim manager at Bucs, holding the position for five months. He was then appointed as head coach at Chippa United the following year before returning to Mamelodi Sundowns in his current capacity.

Towards the end of last year, Mokwena was also said to be among four coaches shortlisted to take charge at Tanzania champions Simba SC.

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Ultimately, he has remained committed to Sundowns, having also previously turned down an opportunity to become an assistant coach to Pitso Mosimane when he was still at Al Ahly.

“Turning down Al Ahly and coach Pitso in particular was very difficult,” he said, as quoted by Phakaaathi.
“It is not easy to turn coach Pitso down but until today, I think that was the right decision. When I had to tell him that I was going to Pirates, it was hard and it took him a very long time to accept that. He felt betrayed, rightfully so. I also would have felt the same but turning him down to go to Egypt was even bigger, you can imagine. He is someone I have huge of admiration and respect for. He played a huge role in my career,” Mokwena added.
“I’ve been begged from teams like Zamalek, Simba and so many teams on the African continent. I hope that is enough to show that I am committed to this club (Sundowns) and this group of people who want to see this club in a good position and that is not easy to communicate with the supporters except through actions.”

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Mokwena and Sundowns will kick-start a new season next weekend

The Week 1 fixtures for the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season have recently been released. Amakhosi and the Buccaneers are not the only ones with difficult starts as the same can be said for defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

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All the fixtures, with dates, times and venues can now be found here