Celebrated South African youthful coach Rulani Mokwena is hunted by top teams in South Africa and abroad.
The most recent reports indicate Orlando Pirates have already made contact in their bid to get coach Jose Riveiro's replacement. The Spaniard ditched the Buccaneers – for Egyptian champions Al Ahly, following the expiry of his three-year contract.
Zamalek are the other team that have been linked with the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, who parted ways with the Botola Pro League outfit Wydad Athletic Club after just a season at the helm.
Mokwena sets record straight
The 38-year-old has since explained what he wants to accepts a new offer, be it in Mzansi or anywhere else.
My next role must align with my philosophy – control, intensity, and development,” the tactician said as quoted by iDiski Times.
A stable club with solid resources offers the platform to compete immediately; their infrastructure supported our 15-match unbeaten run last season.
But more than anything, a project with an opportunity to rebuild with intent appeals to my desire to shape a legacy. I’m open to both, provided there’s a shared commitment to excellence and resources to match the ambition.
Mokwena concedes teams are chasing him
The former Wydad Casablanca tactician has conceded some teams have already approached him, just that he doesn't want to make a decision he might end up regretting.
“There’s been interest, and with humility, that’s all I can say; it is flattering and I realise how much clubs and people involved in football appreciate the work we did, especially at Wydad, with taking the team, without players at the beginning of the season, with all that happened and still managed to finish third in Botola,” he continued.
“But over and above that, what I keep hearing is how much they admire the philosophy and playing style that we have developed.
“Many clubs that speak to us mention this as our currency, and this makes me very proud. I’m approaching this phase with patience, because I don’t want to make a fast decision like last time and enter a space that’s unfamiliar without truly understanding the dynamics. The right opportunity will reveal itself in time,” Mokwena concluded.
