South African coaches continue to make their mark across the continent, with Pyramids FC’s Rulani Mokwena and Simba SC mentor Steve Barker picking up Coach of the Month honours for October 2026 following stellar runs of form.
Mokwena, head coach at Pyramids FC, has guided his side to a 100 per cent start to their 2026/27 Egyptian Premier League season. The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor has won all eight opening matches and currently leads the log with 24 points.
During the period under review, Mokwena guided Pyramids FC to four wins, scoring 11 goals in the process.
This is the second Coach of the Month accolade for Mokwena, who also clinched the award in September 2026 after winning the same number of league matches.
The Egyptian Professional Footballers Association [EPFA] announced on Thursday that the South African has been named the best coach after an impressive start to the season in North Africa.
RULANI MOKWENA CONTINUES TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION AT THE EGYPTIAN PREMIER LEAGUE
”EPFA proudly names Rulani Mokwena, Pyramids FC manager, Manager of the Month for October,” said EPFA in a social media post.
”For the second consecutive month, Mokwena earns this recognition, highlighted by an outstanding record of eight wins from eight league matches, making him the only manager to achieve this perfect record.”
On the other hand, Mokwena has also guided Pyramids FC into the CAF Champions League group stages.
STEVE BARKER BAGS FIFTH ACCOLADE AS HEAD COACH OF SIMBA SC
Meanwhile, Steve Barker has also claimed the Coach of the Month award for October 2026 in Tanzania. Barker has won the hearts of the hard-to-please Simba SC fans since taking over last season.
Barker, whose Simba SC side remain on top of the Tanzanian Premier League, beat Florent Ibenge [Azam FC] and Juma Mgunda [Namungo] to win yet another monthly award in Tanzania.
The former Stellenbosch FC coach won all three of his league matches during the period under review. This includes the big victory against rivals Young Africans SC, who were under the guidance of Manqoba Mngqithi at the time.
The result saw Simba leapfrog Yanga from second position to first place in the Premier League standings. Barker has also guided the side to the CAF Champions League group stages.
This is Barker’s fifth monthly award as head coach of Simba SC. He first won it in February 2026 and again in March and May 2026. He also walked away with the award in September 2026.
RELATED STORY: Pyramids FC confirm appointment of Rulani Mokwena as head coach
