Rulani Mokwena's return written in the stars as Riveiro bids farewell to Orlando Pirates
Rulani Mokwena Rulani Mokwena has earned his spurs as a top-class coach over the years. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
As José Riveiro prepares to exit the stage, the door swings wide open for a new dawn at Orlando Pirates. Whether by fate or design, Rulani Mokwena could step in seamlessly, offering both fresh energy and the continuity the club craves.
The former Wydad Athletic Club coach was trusted by the Buccaneers following Milutin Sredojević's sudden departure in the 2019/20 season, when he was appointed interim manager. Mokwena, the nephew of Pirates legend Jomo Sono, took charge for 14 matches, managing four wins, five draws, and five defeats.
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His interim spell did not result in a permanent role, and he returned to his assistant position under newly appointed head coach Josef Zinnbauer. The 38-year-old was later loaned to Chippa United for a brief stint.
Still, his departure from Pirates always felt like an intermission rather than a curtain call. Even he never completely closed the door on a return to the club — or even a collaboration with Zinnbauer — but that reunion never materialised.
Instead, his return to Mamelodi Sundowns, under the expert mentorship of Pitso Mosimane, proved a defining moment in his coaching career. Mokwena became a central figure in the club's most dominant era — a foundation so solid that Sundowns are currently on course for an unprecedented eighth consecutive league title and recently reached another CAF Champions League final.
Mokwena rose through the ranks, guiding Sundowns to seven trophies, including four league titles, the Nedbank Cup, the MTN8, and the African Football League, in roles as both co-coach and head coach. He capped off his domestic success with a record for the fewest defeats (one) in a single league season.
However, even that remarkable record could not guarantee long-term security. He was released following Sundowns' exit from last season's CAF Champions League semi-final against Esperance de Tunis (2–0 on aggregate). By then, his tactical prowess and proven track record had firmly established him as one of the top coaches on the African continent.
It wasn't long before Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club came calling, appointing him at the start of the current campaign. Ironically, their interest was likely sparked by Mokwena's dismantling of Wydad in the final of the inaugural African Football League — a 3–2 aggregate triumph that left a lasting impression.
Wydad went on to finish third in the Botola Pro League this season, behind champions RSB Berkane and runners-up AS FAR. Mokwena, however, was absent from the touchline for the final three matches after requesting special leave, citing the intensity of his debut campaign.
Now, as Riveiro departing the Buccaneers — his final game in charge was on Tuesday night against Golden Arrows — the opportunity appears ripe for Mokwena's return to the Sea Robbers, this time as a more experienced and composed figure.
Few are better suited for the job. With his deep understanding of the club's culture and South African football as a whole, Mokwena is uniquely positioned to build on the strong foundation laid by Riveiro.
The timing could not be better. Pirates are on a high, having won five of their last six finals and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League this season. That momentum offers a potent platform for Mokwena to mark a triumphant return — to Pirates, and to continental football, where his pedigree is already beyond question.
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