Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has expressed his surprise at the appreciation he has received from top coaches in Europe, despite facing criticism and sarcasm in the DStv Premiership. Since his appointment as the sole head coach, Mokwena has overseen a successful run of seven matches, with only one goal conceded, including a victory in the high-profile Carling Black Label Cup tournament.
Despite Sundowns’ impressive form which sees them top the table by 14 points, there are still doubts over Mokwena’s abilities as a coach. The 36-year old, however, is not fazed by the criticism and instead is learning from the top coaches in Europe.
“I belong to a WhatApp group where there’s CEOs of big companies internationally, there’s coaches who are coaching at the highest level,” Mokwena said in a press conference. “I’m learning, I’m asking questions. For as long as I have that mentality for sure the opinions of people for me will never, ever make a difference to the way I look at myself, how I look at the team and how I look at my work.”
Mokwena also suggested that he knows people are quick to bring up his record as a caretaker coach at Orlando Pirates as proof that he’s seemingly helped by the resources at Sundowns.
“I know that my record at Pirates would still be the first thing that people talk about before they speak about my record as head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns,” he said. “For sure and that’s the truth, so it doesn’t bother me.”
The tactician went on to explain that he has received a lot of appreciation and respect from coaches in Europe, citing a page called MÁS Possession, which is run by technocrats in Italy. The page posted a list of teams and coaches who play position, possession football, with Sundowns and Mokwena included.
They may call him Pep-lite and ridicule him, Mlungisi has fixed the country. They are breathing through the wound. Appreciation to coach Rhulani Mokwena of Mamelodi Sundowns pic.twitter.com/M5dqFK3eKf
— Sbusiso❎️ (@nols91) January 16, 2023
