Pitso Mosimane Praises Rhulani Mokwena’s Near-Success with Mamelodi SundownsPitso Mosimane Praises Rhulani Mokwena’s Near-Success with Mamelodi Sundowns Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane expressed confidence that former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician Rhulani Mokwena was close to delivering the elusive Caf Champions League crown to the club. Mokwena recently parted ways with Sundowns, and Mosimane believes he had the potential to break the club’s long-standing drought in the prestigious continental competition. Mokwena’s Near Success “I thought (Mokwena) was very close to winning the Caf Champions League,” Mosimane told the media. “I’m not saying Sundowns can never win the Champions League if (Mokwena) is not there or I’m not there. It’s a question of when Sundowns are going to win the Champions League.” Mokwena led Sundowns to the semi-finals of the competition twice, highlighting his ability to guide the team to the later stages. Sundowns’ Record-Breaking Season Despite not winning the Champions League, Mokwena secured Sundowns’ seventh consecutive Premier Soccer League title in the 2023/24 season. He also broke Mosimane’s previous points record set in 2015/15. “We talked about breaking records; I am happy that (Mokwena) broke the record we left behind,” Mosimane said. “It’s not my record; it’s Sundowns’ record, and it’s not Rhulani’s record; it’s the club’s record.” Mosimane’s Thoughts on Mokwena Mosimane holds Mokwena in high regard, calling him “the only man” he saw as capable of delivering success to Sundowns. “Rhulani was the only man for me, he was the only one,” Mosimane stated. Both Mosimane and Mokwena are currently without managerial roles and could potentially be open to future opportunities in football.
Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane believes coach Rhulani Mokwena came close to winning the Caf Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Premier Soccer League champions parted ways with the young coach a few days ago. While there are reports that the 37-year-old was released after a disagreement with the club’s sporting director Flemming Berg, some claim that Masandawana wanted someone who could deliver the elusive Caf Champions League crown.
Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi are now the two coaches in charge of the team.
Since their 2016/17 triumph, the Brazilians have been almost without success, having been knocked out in the semi-finals in the last two editions.
‘It was a matter of when’ – Mosimane is confident Mokwena could have delivered
Former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane believes the former Downs tactician was close to earning a second star in the prestigious continental competition.
“I thought (Mokwena) was very close to winning the Caf Champions League,” the 59-year-old told the media.
“I’m not saying Sundowns can never win the Champions League if (Mokwena) is not there or I’m not there. It’s a question of when Sundowns are going to win the Champions League. I mean, if you go to the semi-finals twice, you’re going to get to the final and if you’re in the final, you might as well win it.
“I mean, let’s be honest, Kaizer Chiefs played Al Ahly in the final, and I was the coach. It’s not long ago; it’s three years ago; Chiefs beat Wydad (Athletic), and Sundowns beat Wydad before, I know that’s what he wants.”
‘Rhulani was the only man for me’
In addition to securing the club’s seventh consecutive Premier Soccer League title in the 2023/24 season, Mokwena’s team broke the old Mosimane points record set in the 2015/15 season.
“We talked about breaking records; I am happy that (Mokwena) broke the record we left behind.
“It’s not my record; it’s Sundowns’ record, and it’s not Rhulani’s record; it’s the club’s record. We’re coaches, we’re employed and paid to (break records).
“Under (Mokwena) Sundowns got 73 points, and we got 71 points, 21 wins from 30 games. Now I thought another South African would give us another star. Rhulani was the only man for me, he was the only one.”
Mosimane and Mokwena are currently free agents.
