Rulani Mokwena Shares Most Painful Career Moment Linked to Orlando Pirates
- Rulani Mokwena has shared his career low as a coach, which is linked with his time with Orlando Pirates
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach had a stint with the Soweto giants before returning to Masandawana
- The South African coach made this confession ahead of MC Alger's mouthwatering CAF Champions League group game against Sundowns
South African tactician Rulani Mokwena has opened up on his most painful career moment ahead of facing the Brazilians in the CAF Champions League this season.
Source: Getty Images
The former Wydad Athletic Club coach is preparing his MC Alger side to face one of the top teams in the Champions League after losing their first group game against Al Hilal.
The 40-year-old once coached Orlando Pirates on an interim basis before moving to Sundowns. He won the Betway Premiership and the African Football League with the Brazilians.
Mokwena shares most painful career moment
Mokwena, who recently identified a Pirates star who should replace Themba Zwane, revealed that the most painful moment of his career was when Orlando Pirates decided to replace him with Josef Zinnbauer. He explained on the African Five-a-side podcast with Maher Mezahi that, despite being the head coach, Orlando Pirates chose a more experienced coach after just 13 games.
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Mokwena said it was probably the most painful moment of his career to step down from Pirates, even though the chairman, Dr. Khoza, insisted he stay. He admitted that the events at the time hurt him deeply and that, during that period, all he could focus on was being on the pitch and rediscovering his love for football. Although he had the option to join Black Leopards, he could not take it.
Later, he got an opportunity to coach Chippa United, not because of the club itself, but as a chance to reconnect with football and coaching. Mokwena added that the conditions at Chippa were entirely different, and he was eventually fortunate enough to return to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Despite the pain, Mokwena expressed immense gratitude to both Pirates and Sundowns for allowing him to coach at a relatively young age. He acknowledged that his career today would not have been possible without his time at these clubs. He said leaving both clubs was deeply painful because of the love, devotion, and respect he felt, which cannot be measured by money.
Mokwena hoped that Dr Khoza, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, and their families understood his appreciation, and he asked for forgiveness for any mistakes he may have made. He reflected that, over time, he hopes to find the space for forgiveness and move on, while fundamentally remaining grateful to them.
The Mzansi coach is looking forward to leading MC Alger against Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League group-stage game, with MC Alger playing the first leg at home on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Miguel Cardoso also commented on facing Mokwena in the Champions League once again, now that he's Mamelodi Sundowns' coach.
Source: Getty Images
Cardoso explains why Pirates are stronger
Briefly News also reported that Miguel Cardoso shares why Orlando Pirates are stronger than Mamelodi Sundowns this season.
The Portuguese coach failed to lead his team to victory against the Sea Robbers in the first leg of their tie in the Betway Premiership.
Source: Briefly News
