Football
Former Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda salutes Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena
Wedson Nyirenda, former Kaizer Chiefs striker, praises Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena for his remarkable achievements in South African football. In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Nyirenda reflects on Mokwena's coaching style and impact on the game.
IMage Credits: Clifton Mabasa
Amakhosi legend Wedson Nyirenda is a big fan of the Brazilian boss Rhulani Mokwena, whose team is unbeaten this season so far in the South African Premier League.
Former Zambia international and Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda has expressed his humble salutation on Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, calling him a “special” coach.
Mokwena started his career with the now-defunct Platinum Stars as a youth coach in 2007, before he was promoted to assistant to Steve Khompela two years later.
His passion and commitment saw him moving to Masandawana's development side to pursue his career.
This was before he joined the senior team in 2014 to serve as a second in command, as the most African decorated mentor Pitso Mosimane oversaw the first team.
The 37-year-old coach has also coached the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, and Chippa United, before returning to Chloorkop in July 2020, before Mosimane's exit to Al Ahly.
Mokwena's trophy haul at the club as a coach includes three DStv Premiership titles [Two as a co-coach with Manqoba Mngqithi] and the recent African Football League [AFL] title.
Meanwhile, he was part of the Sundowns technical team that won the CAF Champions League and several cup competition trophies under the guidance of the current Abha coach, Mosimane.
Nyirenda lauds Mokwena's achievements
The former Chiefs goal-poacher has heaped praise on Mokwena, insisting his commitment to the game is too “immense”
“Rhulani [Mokwena] is doing an incredible job, that's clear for everyone to see," Nyirenda told SportsBoom.
"It's easy for me to say he is a perfect example of a coach with a passion for the game. The young man learns and grows every day.
“His determination and quest for success is so immense, and he's going to be one of the greatest coaches your country has ever produced.”
Image Credits: Clifton Mabasa
A good example of a modern coach
Nicknamed after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Mokwena is famously known for the intensity he brings to his role and playing the possession-based Tiki-Taka brand of football.
The former Baroka FC coach believes that Mokwena is one of the most creative and present-day tacticians.
“He is a good reflection of the modern coach. One thing is that he is not afraid of trying new things and coming up with new ideas, he's special,” the former Baroka coach said.
"One may argue that he has all the money to buy any quality players, and that is true, but who says it is an easy task to bring together players from different backgrounds and make them gel and play in unison as he does?
"We have seen many coaches at teams that have too much money, but they still could and can't put together a team to perform well.
The old man learning from the young tactician
The 57-year-old coach couldn't shy away from the fact that he learns every day from the youngest coach in the South African top tier.
“I love the young man and I communicate and discuss football and life matters with him. When you chat with Rhulani, you flow well, you learn new things,” added the Zanaco FC boss.
“He is one coach who likes trying new things every day and he always emphasizes that he doesn't sleep because of work. I wish him all well in all he is doing.”
The Soweto-born tactician is achieving practical success in African Football. This season, his side has already clinched the league title, and they are on the quest to lift the Nedbank Cup in a final set to play against Orlando Pirates.
On the other hand, Nyirenda is busy with his CAF Pro License Course, which he will finish in January 2025.
Nyirenda guided Bakgakga to winning their first-ever top-flight trophy [Telkom Knockout] in the 2018/19 season. He donned the Chiefs' gold and black Jersey in the 1990s.
A natural sersitile soccer player who had a dream of turning out for Kaizer Chiefs, but ended up being a sports journalist. I fell in love with writing about football during my university studies in 2018.