Highly-rated South African coach, Rhulani Mokwena, is at the center of intense speculation regarding his next career move, with reports confirming that CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC have initiated talks with the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates mentor.
Mokwena is currently unattached after a turbulent, albeit short, spell with Moroccan giants Wydad AC, which he departed early last month.
Despite his controversial exit, Mokwena has confidently asserted that he successfully “restored faith and significantly improved the standing of the Wydad AC jersey” during his tenure.
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SABC Sport has reliably confirmed that officials from Pyramids FC have arrived in South Africa to engage in discussions with the 38-year-old tactician.
This potential move comes swiftly after Pyramids FC’s significant triumph in the CAF Champions League, where they remarkably defeated Mokwena’s former side, Mamelodi Sundowns, in a thrilling final with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.
Mokwena’s departure from Wydad Casablanca towards the end of the 2024/25 season was attributed to inconsistent performances. He had only joined the Moroccan club at the beginning of the campaign, having unexpectedly left Mamelodi Sundowns in a surprising move that sent ripples through South African football.
The timing of Pyramids FC’s interest is particularly intriguing given the ambiguity surrounding the future of their current head coach, Krunoslav Jurcic. Despite leading the team to their greatest achievement, the CAF Champions League title, Jurcic was surprisingly vague about his continuity with the club.
“I have to sit down with people from the club, I personally have big ambitions so I have to sit down with members from the club, because if they have big ambitions, then we can continue this project into the future,” the Croatian mentor stated.
While Jurcic’s fate remains undecided, the public broadcaster has it on good authority that Pyramids FC are already actively assessing potential targets to take over the reins. It is understood that Pyramids officials have discreetly entered the country to present their ambitious project for next season and beyond to Mokwena.
Mokwena has made it clear that he intends to return to coaching without a lengthy break and is open to considering any concrete offer tabled. His recent stint in North Africa with Wydad was admittedly “difficult,” and it remains to be seen whether he will be keen on a swift return to the region.
This latest development follows earlier reports of interest from other North African and Tanzanian clubs. Notably, Zamalek had also approached Mokwena, but the former Sundowns coach reportedly withdrew from talks due to his mentor, Pitso Mosimane, being in contention for the same position.
As the football world watches with bated breath, Mokwena’s decision will undoubtedly be a significant talking point, especially as Wydad AC prepares to feature in the FIFA Club World Cup this month under a new coach.