Does Rulani Mokwena deserve more recognition? Teko Modise weighs In
Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise has expressed his thoughts on whether Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena is receiving the recognition and appreciation he deserves.
Mokwena made history this season by becoming the first coach to reach 73 points in a single campaign in the SA top-flight. In the last campaign, Masandawana managed to reach 70 points.
The Tshwane giants only suffered one defeat on the last day of the season against Cape Town City FC. They recorded 22 wins and seven draws in other matches.
In addition, Sundowns lost in the final of the MTN8 against Orlando Pirates, but Mokwena led Sundowns to winning the inaugural African Football League [AFL]. Sundowns then lost in the Carling Knockout Last-16 against TS Galaxy.
In the CAF Champions League, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Tunisia powerhouse Esperance. Lastly, the Brazilians are in the final of the Nedbank Cup and will take on rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 1 June, at Mbombela Stadium.
Teko Modise Discusses Recognition of Mamelodi Sundowns Coach Rulani Mokwena
‘The General’ is of the view that coach Mokwena is not appreciated enough and is not given the recognition that he deserves.
“In SA, we hardly praise our own. We’ve been seeing so many coaches in the past, older coaches with older methods,” said Modise.
“You can imagine we have Thabo September on the bench, we had Mabhuti Khenyeza also and coach [Vusimuzi] Vilakazi. We want to see these young coaches grow and change the SA game.
“Once you have a successful young coach, it always inspires the other ones. The reason why I feel like coach Rulani is not given his flowers is he hasn’t lost many league matches. That’s over [a period of] two years.
“Look at how many players are getting better at that club. He will never get the credit until he’s no longer at Mamelodi Sundowns. Coach Pitso Mosimane it was the same thing until he went to Al Ahly.
“I remember saying coach Rulani was the best coach when he went to Chippa United, that was in the 2017/18 season. Then people said I was crazy and started criticising me. I knew what I was talking about.”
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