Rulani Reveals Dr Khoza Advise

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed the “greatest lesson” Orlando Pirates founder and chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza taught him.

Mokwena was recently named the sole head coach of Masandawana after a shake-up of the club’s technical team that also saw Steve Komphela promoted to become First Team Coach and Manqoba Mngqithi named the Senior Coach.

Mokwena now revealed some inspiration from the Pirates chairman, who is one of the leaders he looks up to.

“I have been fortunate enough to be in a situation where I have two of South Africa’s most prominent football leaders, Coach Manqoba (Mngqithi) and Coach Steve (Komphela), provide mentorship and support that goes beyond the football pitch,” he told Sundowns Digital Magazine.

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“Additionally, I also look up to Dr. Irvan Khoza me and the greatest lesson he taught me is that ‘You cannot dry tomorrow’s washing with yesterday’s sun.’ 

“This means that you must keep going no matter what. 

Mokwena also compared his coaching journey to the battle of David against Goliath.

“One of the things I shared with Flemming Berg (Sundown’s Sporting Director) was the analogy of David & Goliath,” he added.

“When I was at Orlando Pirates, I was in a similar position when Micho (Milutin Sredojevic) moved to Zamalek on the back of a 3-1 loss to Supersport United; he is someone who also wished me well on the position whom I still maintain a good relationship with. 

“I told Flemming that I was reminded of that situation because of the battles and lessons I encountered at that point.

“David fought Goliath, but only a few people know that he had fought a bear prior to that battle. Him fighting the bear was preparation for his bigger encounter with Goliath.”

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Sundowns, who have won all four games since Mokwena took over as sole head coach, return to action on 31 December when they will host Pirates at Loftus Versfeld.