Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena had agreed to join Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly before a sudden U-turn.
Mosimane left Sundowns in a shock turn of events, back in 2020, joining Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
He would go on to have immense success in Egypt, winning the league a couple of times. Mosimane also helped to end Al Ahly’s CAF Champions League drought. He also led the side to a bronze medal at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Mosimane is now well known to have a set, tried and tested technical team that follows him to every club. That team consisting of Musi Matlaba, the head analyst, and Kabelo Rangoaga, a strength and conditioning fitness coach. One coach that turned down the opportunity to be part of that group is Mokwena. The 37-year-old was brought back to the club as an assistant by ‘Jingles’ after stints at Orlando Pirates and Chippa United. He helped Sundowns mastermind a come from behind league title over Kaizer Chiefs.
Mokwena nearly joined Mosimane at Al Ahly
When Mosimane departed, rumours circulated that Mokwena would follow him to Al Ahly. He stayed on at Sundowns, however, with Mosimane’s agent and wife Moira Tlhagale now confirming the snub.
“We had already booked flights for him and had his passport, but I was made aware two hours before we left that coach Rulani Mokwena had decided not to go to Egypt anymore” Tlhagale said to the High Court as per Sunday World.
Both have enjoyed success since then
Mokwena initially stayed on as an assistant coach to Manqoba Mngqithi at Sundowns. Then he took over as head coach in 2023 and has been phenomenal since. He is still yet to lose a league game, and is edging ever so closer to an invincible season. He has already won the African Football League as well and is in the Nedbank Cup final.
Mosimane is now in Saudi Arabia trying to keep Abha Club in the topflight.