Why Rulani Mokwena is the right man to end Orlando Pirates’ title drought — despite Moeneeb Josephs’ criticism
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has been linked with the soon-to-be vacant position at Orlando Pirates. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Since Orlando Pirates announced earlier this month that Jose Riveiro will be leaving the club at the end of the season, a number of names have been thrown into the hat as the search for his successor begins.
One of those names is that of Rulani Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns boss who is now with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
In Morocco, Mokwena has had a tough time. With his charges way off the pace in the title race, and after some pressure from supporters, Mokwena has announced he will leave the club at the end of the season, paving the path for a return to Pirates.
Former Orlando Pirates star Moeneeb Josephs has voiced his opposition to Mokwena’s potential appointment, saying the 38-year-old’s ego could derail the club’s efforts in unseating Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the food chain.
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According to Josephs, who is currently the goalkeeper coach for the Kenya national team, Pirates “need someone who’s going to work with his players, who understands where they are in their careers and to take them to that next level”.
But, Josephs, one of the greatest goalkeepers this country has ever produced, has got it wrong about his assertion that Mokwena’s ego would set Pirates back.
At Sundowns, Mokwena proved to be a popular figure among his players, and his ego, as far as is known, never hampered the Tshwane giants in their pursuit of titles. What Mokwena was in his time with the Brazilians was firm. His players knew where they stood, and they knew that they would be put aside if they put a foot out of line. That’s not having an ”ego”, that’s setting boundaries between players and coach.
Orlando Pirates have not challenged for a title in recent years, which suggests they need a head coach that will be firm in demanding certain targets from the players. If having an “ego” disqualifies Mokwena from the Pirates job, then the club is not serious in its attempts to win the league.
Josephs has got this one wrong.
If Orlando Pirates are serious about ending their title drought and mounting a genuine challenge to Mamelodi Sundowns, they need more than just talent on the pitch — they need a coach with a clear vision, authority, and the courage to demand excellence.
Mokwena has already demonstrated that he possesses all of those qualities in abundance. His time at Sundowns showed that he could build a system, cultivate discipline, and get the best out of his players, even in a pressure-filled environment. Labelling that as ‘ego’ is a mischaracterisation of the leadership required at the highest level. Pirates don’t need a friend to the players — they need a leader.
And if they allow outdated perceptions to cloud their judgement, they risk missing out on the one coach who could actually bring the glory days back to the club.
IOL Sport
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