Rhulani Mokwena, the 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, has expressed interest in returning to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and would consider taking over at Orlando Pirates following José Riveiro’s exit.
Mokwena, now a free agent after a brief stint with Wydad AC in Morocco, acknowledged Pirates’ stature as a “big club” with people close to his heart, including chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza, whom he holds in high regard.
Previously, Mokwena served as Pirates’ assistant coach under Milutin Sredojević (2017–2019) and briefly as caretaker coach. He left Sundowns after winning back-to-back PSL titles and the African Football League but struggled at Wydad.
Rhulani Mokwena’s journey with Wydad, told through the numbers. 📊 pic.twitter.com/IXt1T7W909
— Wydad Red Castle (@WydadRedCastle) April 24, 2025
Despite links to other clubs, including Egypt’s Zamalek, Mokwena remains open to a Pirates return, praising Dr. Khoza’s leadership and influence on his career.
Speaking on Soccer Africa, Mokwena said, “No, I don’t know about Pirate’s interest in me. I’ve just arrived back in the country, to be honest, I don’t know.”
“Of course, I would consider it [Pirates gig]. It’s a big club, and it still has people who are very close to me and to my heart.
“I’m very, very fond of Dr Khoza, very fond and he will always have a very special place in my heart. I’ve been fortunate enough that, as a coach, I’ve learnt a lot about leadership from the best football leaders on the continent,” Mokwena added.
“Dr Khoza is number one, for sure, in general knowledge, history, geography, football, humanity, religion, and everything.
“Dr Patrice Motsepe, the things that he taught me, the same. Another one is the president of Wydad Casablanca [Hicham Ait Mena], an incredible human being. I really enjoyed my time working for the president of Wydad.”
Mokwena expressing his willingness to join Pirates is no small wonder, considering he has proven his capability to succeed anywhere in Africa however, it remains to be seen if the club [Orlando Pirates] will offer him the role.
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
