What Allan Freese thinks of Rulani Mokwena’s progress as a coach
Highlands Park FC mentor Allan Freese has shared his thoughts on Rulani Mokwena’s progress as a professional coach.
The duo come a long way and know each other very well having worked together at now-defunct Platinum Stars [which at that time was called Silver Stars] and at Highlands Park FC.
Mokwena started his coaching journey in 2007 at Platinum Stars as a youth coach, before he became an assistant coach.
Now Mokwena is a highly-rated coach in the SA topflight in-charge at Mamelodi Sundowns. He’s been doing a great job since he was appointed the sole head coach in October 2022.
The Soweto-born mentor has helped the Tshwane giants to win two trophies. These are namely; the 2022/23 DStv Premiership and the 2023 African Football League title.
In the current season, he’s can still win three more trophies; the league title, Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League.
ALLAN FREESE ON RULANI MOKWENA’S COACHING JOURNEY
Freese is not surprised by Mokwena’s success citing that he deserves all the credit because he has worked very hard to get where he is.
“It’s not surprising for me to see where he [Rulani Mokwena] is. We worked together in the development of Highlands Park before where he put in a lot of work to prove himself,” said Freese.
“He’s done a lot personally to prove himself as a coach. He’s a very approachable somebody. So for where he is now, it’s not a surprise because he took a lot of time to improve his coaching. You put in the time, you get what comes to you.
“I think coaching sometimes is not as easy as you think. Look at him today, top of the pile. Not so long ago Chippa [United] was firing him, not so long ago he was at [Orlando] Pirates, and Pirates also fired him.
“I dont think everybody improves, but given a chance, as a person, as a coach anyone can do that. Some of the clubs don’t give you a chance, so you don’t show your true potential.
“Sundowns have done that, they’ve seen the potential in him, they’ve given him the opportunity and I think he has paid Sundowns for them having faith in him.”
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