Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Thlopie Motsepe has praised head coach Rulani Mokwena as one of the hardest working coaches in the league.
Mokwena, 36, has become the youngest head coach in the club’s history after the technical team reshuffle in October last year following Masandawana’s 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final.
Ever since, Sundowns have gone unbeaten in 22 games under Mokwena, winning 18 and drawing just four.
They secured the sixth successive DStv Premiership title, and are in the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League quarter-finals, with Mokwena winning back-to-back Premier Soccer League Coach of the Month awards.
His hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with praise coming from all over the continent, but also the club’s chairman himself.
“Coach Rulani was the youngest coach to win the PSL title back in the 2011/22 season, his path to the position of Head Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns was one that was not easily attained, especially at 35 years old,” he told Sundowns’ digital magazine.
“Under Rulani’s leadership, the Club has won its first ever Carling Black Label Cup, securing two clean sheets and scoring seven goals on its way to clinching the day long competition.
“He has been called ‘a genius’, ‘a student of the game’ and ‘a mastermind’. However, the lesson young people can learn from Rulani is that he holds himself to the highest standards.
“He does not cut corners when it comes to preparing for matches, and he takes his job very seriously; I doubt that there is a Coach who works as hard as he does – that is the reason he is at the top of his game.
“For young people in any profession, the best thing you can do for your own personal growth is to demand the best of yourself and stay committed to your goals, even when you feel tired or demoralized.
“When I think about Coach Rulani’s work ethic, the words of the late Kobe Bryant come to mind, who said, ‘Dedication sees dreams come true.’ Stay dedicated, but don’t just hold on to your dream, dedicate time (a lot of time) to achieving it.”
Sundowns are back in action on Sunday, when they will face Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium at 15:00
