Rulani Mokwena has admitted that he would be open to taking the Orlando Pirates job if it was offered to him following Jose Riveiro’s departure.
Pirates are looking for a coach following the departure of the hugely popular and successful Riveiro who left in May following his three-year stint.
Mokwena is among names that have been linked to the vacant position, including, his mentor Pitso Mosimane and Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, and the 38-year-old, who worked at Pirates previously has no problem going back.
Mokwena open to coaching Pirates
“Of course, I would. I would consider,” Mokwena told Soccer Africa on SuperSport TV when asked if he would be open to taking the Pirates job.
“It’s a big club and has people close to my heart, a man I am very fond of in Dr [Irvin] Khoza and he will always have a special place in my heart.
“I have learned from the three best football leaders on the continent. Dr Khoza is no.1. Patrice Motsepe, the things he taught me at Mamelodi Sundowns are unbelievable, and the third is Hicham Ait Menna. I enjoyed working with the coach president of Wydad.”
Mokwena worked at Pirates from 2017 when he became assistant coach to Serbian tactician Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and in August 2019 after his boss resigned, he was made interim coach.
Rulani knows Buccaneers too well
He managed 14 league matches, winning four, drawing five and losing as many, before he was replaced by Josef Zinnbauer in December that year with many viewing his spell as underwhelming.
Mokwena stayed at Pirates as assistant to Zinnbauer but on March 4, 2020, he got another chance as head coach when Chippa United came calling, offering him a short-term contract until the end of the season.
His spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, however, made him one of the best coaches in Africa as the Brazilians won titles while playing an attractive brand of football that has been lauded across the continent.
Mokwena is without a job after leaving Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club last month after the club terminated his contract over a number of issues, including performance in the league.
