Rulani Mokwena on father and son relationship with Pitso Mosimane

By Velile Mnyandu
30th January 2023

Mamelodi Sundowns' head coach Rhulani Mokwena has spoken proudly about the bond he shares with Pitso Mosimane, who opened the doors of professional football to him.

It was the three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach that promoted Mokwena – son of Julius “KK” Sono, who is the younger brother to Jomo Sono – from coaching Sundowns' U19s to the senior team in 2014.

Speaking after The Brazilians beat Sekhukhune United 2-0 at Loftus Stadium to extend their record run to 14 consecutive victories in the DStv Premiership this season, Mokwena said Mosimane has been everything to him.

"Ja, I can only speak in glowing terms. I know South Africa would love for it to be a spicy relationship, but people don't know I consider Coach Pitso not just a mentor but a father figure for sure,"

"And because he played with my father – he did, they shared the pitch, he's a very close family friend, he's a Sundowns man, he's done so much for this football club and is regarded for sure, and rightfully so, as an icon and will go into the club's books as that.

Mosimane recently expressed that, if there was one coach set to break his records at Sundowns it would be Mokwena, who in turn compared their relationship to that of current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his former boss at Manchester City Pep Guardiola.

Karabo you asked in a press conference that amongst many experienced PSL Coaches why I chose our U19 team Coach to help me.
I told you he is going to be better than me ,again you asked why do I bring him back the 2nd time.I told you he will break all my records. I still say that.
— Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) January 28, 2023

"The contribution he's made... I was listening to Arteta speak about Pep, and I could speak and go on and on, and run out of superlatives because he's taught me a lot and for that, I will always be extremely grateful," he added.

"I'm only humbled that he can say what he say, but he also knows the influence that he's imparted onto my career, and for that I will always be grateful."