Rulani Mokwena: Why Zamalek Remain Divided Over South African Coach Amid Future Plans

Rulani Mokwena

Rulani Mokwena: Why Zamalek Remain Divided Over South African Coach Amid Future Plans

Festus Chuma 12:45 - 27.05.2025

Zamalek considers Rulani Mokwena for head coach role, but internal divisions complicate decision-making ahead of next season.

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC are reportedly at a crossroads over whether to appoint South African tactician Rulani Mokwena as their next head coach.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Casablanca boss has emerged as a potential candidate but sources close to the club say the decision-making process is far from united.

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Mokwena departed from Moroccan club Wydad AC earlier this month and speculation has linked him with a managerial role at the Cairo-based outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

But despite his availability and the club’s active search for a permanent manager, the Zamalek hierarchy remains split on whether the 37-year-old is the right man to take charge.

“Zamalek negotiated with Mokwena, and some within the club are convinced that the coach is a 'good project' for the team, including a prominent member of the planning committee, while others believe that the coach failed with Wydad Casablanca, and Zamalek is not a 'test bed',” journalist Amir Hisham told Dostor.

Internal Conflict Clouds Decision-Making

Mokwena's success with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he led the team to domestic dominance, is not in doubt, his short and unremarkable stint at Wydad has raised concerns among Zamalek's decision-makers.

According to Yallakora, the club has acknowledged that Mokwena's name surfaced during discussions but clarified that he is not currently a priority.

The club’s planning committee is reportedly divided, with certain members pushing for a proven, experienced hand familiar with the demands of Egyptian football, while others see Mokwena as a progressive coach capable of ushering in a new era.

The root of the problem, however, appears to lie deeper than just technical concerns.

“Mokwena succeeded with Sundowns, but he failed with Wydad Casablanca, and things are divided at Zamalek, because 'there is more than one captain in a boat,' as they say, and there is a conflict at work, with each official going in a different direction,” Hisham added.

Zamalek’s Short-Term Focus

Rhulani Mokwena.

In the interim, Zamalek have appointed Ayman El-Ramady as caretaker coach until the end of the season.

He is expected to oversee the final league match against Pharco and the Egyptian Cup Final against Pyramids on 5 June. The decision regarding the new permanent coach will likely be made after these fixtures.

The uncertainty surrounding the coaching situation reflects broader instability within Zamalek’s upper ranks—a condition that may further complicate the club's ability to make bold decisions ahead of next season.