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The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Rulani Mokwena in talks for dramatic Orlando Pirates return
Orlando Pirates have reportedly opened discussions with Rulani Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club head coach, as they seek a successor to Jose Riveiro. According to the latest information, the Buccaneers held talks with Mokwena earlier this week to discuss the possibility of him returning to the helm. However, the club faces tough competition, with CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC also believed to be vying for his services. Mokwena, who left Wydad AC with three games left in the season. Should Pirates finalise the deal, the 38-year-old tactician is expected to bring in fresh faces to bolster the technical team. The club wants to conclude negotiations swiftly to allow the new coach sufficient time to prepare for their upcoming pre-season tour in Spain. Mokwena previously served at Pirates in 2019, and a return could reignite hopes of silverware among the fans. His recent stint at Sundowns brought four league titles and success in the African Football League, proving his credentials at the highest level. By acting fast, Pirates hope to re-establish themselves as title contenders and bring back a coach who knows the club's DNA. Given the cup success of Orlando Pirates and Rulani Mokwena's recent experiences at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad AC, would his return to the Buccaneers be a strategically sound decision for both the coach and the club? What potential advantages or challenges could arise from rekindling this relationship, and how might his return impact Pirates' ambitions domestically and in continental competitions? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Sundowns announce new partnership with Chinese car brand
Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has welcomed the partnership. Newly-crowned Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have announced new partnership with the Chinese car brand, Cherry. In a joint statement, Sundowns and Cherry stated that as part of the new partnership, Chery will provide the team with a fleet of SUVs, 'ensuring they travel comfortably and in style to matches, club engagements, and community events'. ALSO READ: Sundowns record signing explains early struggles 'Chery South Africa is proud to be the Official Vehicle Partner of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa's most decorated and popular football clubs. Known as 'The Brazilians' for their bold style of play and their iconic yellow kit, Sundowns have a rich history that spans over five decades. The club is a powerhouse locally and across the continent with a record number of league titles, numerous domestic cups, and Continental triumphs in the CAF Champions League and African Football League. 'As part of this exciting partnership, Chery will provide the team with a fleet of SUVs, ensuring they travel comfortably and in style to matches, club engagements, and community events. This collaboration is a natural fit, bringing together two high-performing brands known for their commitment to excellence,' read the statement Sundowns chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe , has welcomed the partnership. 'At Mamelodi Sundowns, we follow the philosophy of Ubuntu—our success belongs to our supporters, our communities, and the people who make us who we are,' said Motsepe. 'We are delighted to welcome Chery to the Mamelodi Sundowns family because we are united by ambition and people-first values,' added Motsepe. 'From day one, we will push boundaries, excite South Africans, and empower communities across the country.' Tony Liu, CEO of Chery South Africa said, 'We are thrilled to partner with Mamelodi Sundowns.' 'The partnership reflects our dedication to supporting local communities and sports programmes within the country, and aligns with our ongoing efforts to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa.'
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
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. 🎙 Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi: 'We just have one responsibility and one mandate- fight for three points' 🆚 @goldenarrowsfc1 🗓️ 13 May 2025 ⌛ 19:30 🏟️ Orlando Stadium 📺 @SuperSportTV ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) May 12, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 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.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rulani Mokwena has grown to be his own man, and deserves plaudits
Rulani Mokwena Rulani Mokwena has earned his spurs as a top-class coach over the years. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Final Whistle Column Rulani Mokwena has shown that he has nerves of steel, and given all that he's achieved and taken on the chin in recent years, he's destined for greatness. Before writing this op-ed, rumours had been rife that he has been released by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca after a string of poor results. And this was despite Mokwena and his agent Steve Kapelushnik recently telling the media that they've agreed with the club to part ways at the end of the season. So, whatever happens, possibilities are high that Mokwena won't be the club's coach beyond this season, ruling out chances of him coaching at the Club World Cup in June. And sure, it will be easy for naysayers to say 'there goes his dream of coaching against his idol, Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola', as he was looking forward to that in the US. But perhaps it'll be only sensible for us to realise that Mokwena's dream might only be delayed, and not denied. He's still got his best years ahead of him. It's only important to realise that Mokwena didn't fail at Wydad. If anything, he succeeded, and was close to waking up a sleeping giant. Mokwena arrived at the club last year when they were on their knees – they were financially strapped, and had incredibly finished sixth in the Botola Pro 1 log last season. His abilities to lure players to the club, including SA duo Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch, brought in some financial revenue one way or another. And that's not all. With three games to play, the team now have a chance of finishing in a CAF qualifying for next season – something that eluded them before Mokwena arrived. Mokwena is only 38 years of age. So, his decision to believe in his abilities and take on a gigantic post such as the Wydad coaching job also spoke volumes. He showed that he's not a cry baby, and wouldn't sulk and moan around by opting to ridicule himself after being sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season. Mokwena could have decided to stick around – here at home – and coach any of the teams with less pressure in an attempt to rebuild his profile and confidence. But he didn't need that. He had already done that at Sundowns, having won the Premiership title and African Football League (AFL) as the lone head coach. Of course, naysayers will have a field day by saying the foundation was laid for him by the deep pockets of the club and the work of his predecessor Pitso Mosimane. But Mokwena was his own man in his last season at Sundowns, alright. He had an idea of how the team wanted to play – possession-based football – and aced that to a tee. It's worth noting that Mokwena didn't only become his own man when he achieved illustrious success at Sundowns and taking up the Wydad job. No! He carved his path when he decided to step out of the shadow of his paternal lineage, which includes some of the greatest players to don the jersey of Orlando Pirates. He is the son of Julius 'KK' Sono, making him the nephew of Ephraim 'Jomo' Son and the grandson of Eric 'Scara' Sono – a trio that left their mark at Pirates. Mokwena, who's decided to use his maternal surname to step out of his paternal shadow, also decided to go the road less travelled – focusing more on coaching than playing.
