Orlando Pirates Join Intense Race for Coach Rulani Mokwena — Which Club Will He Choose?

Rulani Mokwena’s coaching stock has never been higher.

After pushing his current club to a commendable third-place finish—despite integrating over 25 new players—he has attracted serious interest from multiple clubs across Africa.

Most recently, Orlando Pirates officially entered the race to secure his services, adding to the growing list of suitors.

This now makes four clubs actively pursuing the talented coach.

Earlier this week, Pirates reportedly initiated talks with Mokwena, signaling their intent to bring him on board as they look to strengthen their coaching ranks.

Alongside Pirates, Egyptian giants Pyramids FC have also expressed keen interest.

Representatives from Pyramids were recently spotted in South Africa, attempting to engage Mokwena in discussions about a potential move.

Pyramids, fresh off winning the CAF Champions League, are eager to maintain their momentum domestically and continentally.

They see Mokwena as the ideal candidate to help them stay competitive in a tight Egyptian Premier League battle.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s MRE of Fes, a club less known internationally but ambitious, has also entered the fray.

Though they finished eighth last season, their pursuit of Mokwena suggests a desire to shake up the status quo in the Botola Pro league.

Interestingly, Zamale FC—another Egyptian club—was initially linked to Mokwena but has since been removed from contention.

Mokwena himself reportedly declined interest out of respect for fellow coach Peter Musimane, who remains in Zamale’s coaching mix.

This gesture underscores Mokwena’s professionalism and the respect he holds for his peers, which may influence his final decision.

Of the four clubs, Orlando Pirates and Pyramids FC appear to offer the most competitive environments and highest expectations.

Pirates are known for their passionate fan base and high-pressure atmosphere, where trophies and continental success are non-negotiable goals.

Pyramids FC, meanwhile, are hungry to build on their recent CAF Champions League triumph and dominate Egyptian football, which is fiercely contested by rivals like Al Ahly and Zamalek.

MRE of Fes, while ambitious, is likely to offer a less pressured environment, giving Mokwena room to develop his coaching philosophy without immediate demands for silverware.

This could appeal to Mokwena if he prefers a steadier project rather than jumping straight into a high-stakes role.

For Mokwena, the decision involves weighing competitive ambition against job security and personal development.

Returning to Morocco with MRE of Fes might offer familiarity and a chance to build a legacy in his home country.

Conversely, joining Orlando Pirates would thrust him into the spotlight of South African football, with immense pressure but also significant reward potential.

Pyramids FC represents a middle ground: a top African club with continental pedigree but perhaps slightly less scrutiny than Pirates.

The coach’s recent success in elevating his current team’s league position from outside the top three to a strong third place speaks volumes about his ability to manage transitions and extract performance from new squads.

His tactical acumen and player management skills have not gone unnoticed, making him a prized asset for clubs seeking immediate impact.

As negotiations continue, fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting news of where Mokwena will land.

His choice will shape not only his career trajectory but also the fortunes of whichever club secures his talents.

For Orlando Pirates, landing Mokwena would signal serious intent to reclaim domestic dominance and make a deeper impact in continental competitions.

For Pyramids FC, retaining momentum with a coach of Mokwena’s caliber is key to sustaining their recent success.

And for MRE of Fes, acquiring Mokwena could mark the beginning of a new era, challenging Morocco’s traditional powerhouses.

The clock is ticking, but insiders believe Mokwena won’t remain unemployed for long.

With multiple attractive offers on the table, it’s only a matter of time before he makes a decision.

Which club will win the race?

Will it be the high-pressure environment of Orlando Pirates, the ambitious Egyptian champions Pyramids FC, or the up-and-coming Moroccan side MRE of Fes?

Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Rulani Mokwena’s next move will be one of the most talked-about coaching decisions in African football this year.

Stay tuned for updates as this exciting saga unfolds.