Mokwena open to Pirates return Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed he is open to returning to Orlando Pirates, who are on the hunt for a new coach following Jose Riveiro's departure. Photo: Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix
Image: Mehrez Toujani/BackpagePix
Former Wydad Casablanca head coach Rulani Mokwena is open to returning to Orlando Pirates, a club where his father, Julius “KK” Sono, and uncle, Jomo Sono, are considered legends.
The 38-year-old Mokwena is currently unemployed after leaving Wydad at the end of last season and has been heavily linked with a return to Pirates, who are looking for a new coach following Jose Riveiro’s departure.
On the Soccer Africa show on SuperSport, Mokwena said he wouldn’t turn down the chance to return to Pirates if he were offered the job.
“Of course I would consider it (joining Pirates),” Mokwena said on the show. “It’s a big club, and it’s still got people that are very close to me and to my heart.
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“I’m very fond of Dr. [Irvin] Khoza, and he will always have a special place in my heart.”
Mokwena, who began his coaching career with Mamelodi Sundowns, previously spent three years at Pirates as Milutin Sredojević’s assistant coach. After the Serb left the club suddenly in 2019, Mokwena was appointed interim head coach.
After a brief spell in charge of Chippa United, Mokwena returned to Sundowns in 2020 as co-coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi and was promoted to head coach in 2022.
During his time with Sundowns, the club won three league titles. However, after winning the title again in the 2023/24 season, Mokwena was unceremoniously sacked. He then moved abroad to Morocco to take charge of Wydad.
Mokwena’s ability to win league titles has been seen as a positive that could land him the Pirates job. During Riveiro’s era, Ezikamagebhula fell short in the league — something the club’s hierarchy and demanding fans have been desperate to win.
Pirates will have to act quickly if they want to appoint Mokwena, as newly crowned African champions Pyramids FC are reportedly also interested in his services.
Mokwena was also linked with Egyptian giants Zamalek, but he's since revealed he's turned the down.
“Maybe the easiest to bat away would be Zamalek,” Mokwena added. “Well, I didn’t hear from them (Zamalek) after I had said I heard that coach Pitso [Mosimane] is also in the running for the position."
IOL Sport