‘Grateful’ Rulani Mokwena on How Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Wydad AC Stints Shaped Him For MC Alger

South African football coach Rulani Mokwena has steadily built a reputation as one of the continent’s most promising young managers. 

The 38-year-old, who is the nephew of Jomo Cosmos owner Jomo Sono, has enjoyed a remarkable rise from being a youth coach at Silver Stars, to coaching some of Africa’s biggest clubs before even turning 40.

Mokwena has enjoyed stints at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Morocco’s Wydad AC — has been marked by continuous growth, learning, and success

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Speaking during an interview on the African Five Aside podcast, Mokwena, who now manages Algerian outfit  MC Alger reflected  on how these experiences shaped him, both professionally and personally.

“We are now in a very good position, and I believe we can become even better. I’m under no illusions; I understand football very well, especially after coaching several big clubs,” Mokwena stated in a recent interview. 

His time at Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most historic and widely supported teams, gave him an early taste of the pressures and expectations that come with managing top-level squads.

 “I’ve been fortunate to lead Orlando Pirates, an incredible institution, and Mamelodi Sundowns — two clubs that are very close to my heart and my family. Each experience has been part of a gradual growth process.”

At Sundowns, Mokwena took his coaching development further, working within a club known for its tactical sophistication and continental ambitions. It was here that he refined his game model and enhanced his tactical acumen.

He credits the lessons learned at Pirates and Sundowns as essential stepping stones: “Every challenge I faced prepared me for the next step. What I learned at Pirates prepared me for Sundowns. 

“What I learned at Sundowns prepared me for Wydad. And what I experienced at Wydad prepared me for this job — each with its own unique demands.”

His time with Wydad AC, one of Morocco’s and Africa’s most successful clubs, added an international dimension to his coaching career. Managing in the Moroccan league and continental competitions exposed him to different football cultures, styles, and organizational structures. 

Mokwena also broadened his expertise beyond tactics, citing growth in areas such as player management, recruitment, and stakeholder relations:

 “From training methodology, tactical refinement, and developing my game model, to player management, supporter relations, club structures, upward and downward management, and even recruitment and scouting — every stage added to my development.”

Reflecting on his journey, Mokwena expresses deep gratitude for each chapter of his career. 

“I’m grateful for my time at Pirates, grateful for my time at Sundowns, grateful for my time at Wydad, and extremely grateful for my experience here.

“ I feel I’ve become a better coach and a better person.” Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about his future and his ability to contribute positively to his current club: “Hopefully, in the coming years, I can continue to grow — and help the club grow as well.”

Mokwena’s MC Alger currently top the Algerian topflight league on 22 points after eight matches played.