One Year at the Helm: Reflecting on Rulani’s Journey as Downs Head Coach

On Friday, Mamelodi Sundowns celebrated one year of Rulani Mokwena as head coach, after the club confirmed him as head coach on October 24, 2022. Since taking charge, Mokwena has not lost a DStv Premiership match, as Sundowns recorded an impressive 15 wins and five draws during that period, earning them the title with seven matches to spare. They are unbeaten in the Premiership after eight matches this season, continuing their dominance in the league.

It’s in the knockout competitions where Mokwena has not been able to crack it just yet, as he waits to win his first major knockout competition as head coach of the club. He came close in the MTN8 final recently at Moses Mabhida Stadium, but a penalty shootout went in the favour of Soweto giants. They were booted out of the Carling Knockout recently by TS Galaxy via a penalty shootout and they only have the Nedbank Cup as the remaining domestic cup competition to challenge for.

The big one will no doubt be the CAF Champions League, after they were knocked out in the semi-finals last season by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. The African Football League will provide Mokwena another opportunity to lift a trophy, with Al Ahly next in the semi-finals after they beat Petro over two legs in the quarterfinals.

Mokwena’s tenure has not come without any challenges, but he has kept Sundowns competing at a high level, despite the busy schedule. It has been a remarkable first year for the coach as he looks to add some silverware to his cabinet in the upcoming months.