'That Guy Is Difficult' – Polokwane Coach Reflects on Facing Mamelodi Sundowns During Rulani Mokwena Era

Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe has opened up about the immense challenge of preparing for a match against Mamelodi Sundowns when Rulani Mokwena was at the helm.

The two coaches faced off while Rulani Mokwena was in charge of the Tshwane giants, a tenure that concluded at the end of the 2023/24 season.

During that campaign, Rulani Mokwena, who has since joined MC Alger, led Sundowns on an incredible 29-match unbeaten streak, only to fall short of an "invincible" season with a loss to Cape Town City in the final league game.

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Throughout that dominant season, Mamelodi Sundowns were a feared opponent, known for their relentless high press and a possession-based style inspired by Tiki-Taka, making them a formidable force for the entire 90 minutes.

Despite securing the league title, Rulani Mokwena's time at the club came to an end. Reports indicated that his departure was due to a strained relationship with sporting director Flemming Berg, rather than the team's performance on the pitch.

Mohafe has now singled out Mokwena as the most difficult coach he has ever had to strategise against, highlighting his opponent's constant tactical shifts and seamless in-game adjustments that kept opposing teams on the back foot.

"It used to be Rulani Mokwena, yoh! That guy is difficult to plan against, man," Mohafe stated on Prime Sports With Mahlatse.

Recalling a specific encounter, Mohafe described the tactical battle in an MTN 8 match at Loftus Stadium. "I don't know how many times he changed the system. No, no, no, Rulani is difficult," he emphasised.

"And when you look at him, you will think he’s not watching the game because he will just sit, facing the other side, not looking at the field. But the moment he faces the field, that is when he changes the system, or he changes how he plays, or the formation. Now you are going to react to what he’s doing."

Mohafe concluded by expressing his frustration with Mokwena's adaptability: "When you say, 'Now this one, I'm mastering it, now we are coming together,' he changes to the other one. No, Rulani is difficult to plan against."