Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has heaped praise on Rulani Mokwena and Fadlu Davids for embracing the challenge of restoring their respective new clubs to former glories on the African continent.

Mokwena, sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns, was appointed as the new coach of Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, who saw their rivals, Raja Athletic Club, clinch an undefeated league title and the Throne Cup last season. As a result, Wydad missed out on CAF inter-club competitions after finishing sixth in the league.

Meanwhile, Davids joined Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC with the aim of ending the dominance of their rivals, Young Africans, who have won the league title three times consecutively since 2022. Simba SC are also eager to secure their first continental title as they prepare for the CAF Confederations Cup.

With immense pressure on both coaches, Mosimane believes they are up to the task, given their proven track records. “It’s always important to show where were you before and your qualifications,” said Mosimane. 

“For example, you cannot coach in the Gulf region without a Pro License, imagine how many people have a Pro License. Fadlu has got a Pro License now, congratulations to him.  

“He had to go to Europe for it, not many people can do it the way he did. I also struggled at first. So, the development of coaches is important and I’m happy to see them flying the flag as I did before.  

“They also have their own [technical] team, that’s beautiful, look at Rulani at Wydad I know the team very well and I’m happy he’s there.”  

Mosimane continued, “Rulani will now be the third Sub-saharan coach in North Africa because Florent [Ibenge] is in that list as well. They have their coaches like the Moroccan national team coach, so it’s not easy.”  

The decorated 59-year-old coach urged other South African coaches to step outside their comfort zones and seek opportunities on the continent, similar to Mokwena and Davids. “I always advise other coaches in South Africa to cross the border and step out of the comfort zone, yes you won’t get a Wydad job because you have to play against them in the Champions League, they have to see you,” he said.  

“But you can start like Fadlu with Zinnbauer, then you can go to Simba. East Africa know the quality of our football so there is always an opportunity. I always tell the guys to stop waiting for a PSL club because now the chances are getting even smaller – how many South African coaches are in the PSL right now and how many last for six months? Because I don’t want to say a season.  

“There is always an opportunity in Kenya, Uganda and those teams even play in the Champions League – even if you don’t get a Champions League team, get a mid-table team, show who you are and you will move up the ranks,” Mosimane concluded.

Article by Trevor Magoro