“Rulani Mokwena should not prioritize money in his next job” - Igesund

Photo Credit - Wydad AC.

Experienced South African coach Gordon Igesund has urged Rulani Mokwena to prioritise better conditions of service and happiness over monetary gains ahead of his next move.

Mokwena, 38, is currently unattached after his contract with Morocco giants Wydad Athletic Club was terminated. The South African has been linked to Egypt's Pyramids who won the 2024/25 CAF Champions League and Betway Premier League side, Orlando Pirates, a club he once handled.

Pirates are in the market for a new coach following the departure of Jose Riveiro to Egypt powerhouse Al Ahly and Igesund believes the Buccaneers will be the ideal destination for Mokwena.

“Pyramids can be a good move for him financially, but I think Pirates can be a good move because it is really where he feels he will be happy and he has to be happy where he goes,” Igesund told Sowetan.

“Sometimes people want to move for the wrong reasons. Pirates are a good team, they want to improve and try to beat Sundowns for the league title after they dominated for many years.It is up to him and the negotiations he has with the teams.

“He is a young coach and when you are young you need to get more experience. He moved from Sundowns to Wydad and didn't stay long and now he is on the move again.

“I think he needs to settle down. There is so much hype over him. I don't think he is in a position to keep moving. He has to make up his mind and decide if he will join Pirates or North Africa.

“He is quite familiar with how Pirates play. He is moving around too much and he must not base his decision more on money but on where he will be happy.”

Mokwena had a stint as Orlando Pirates assistant coach in 2018 and became head coach in 2019 where he spearheaded 14 matches.

Mokwena had a memorable experience with PSL giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won four league titles as well as the African Football League trophy.