Rulani Mokwena is a remarkable South African football coach, known for his passion and dedication to the sport. He was born on January 8, 1987, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has been actively involved in the football industry for years. Mokwena’s story is one of perseverance and hard work, and his rise to success is an inspiration to many.
Mokwena’s childhood was filled with love, warmth, and sacrifices. He was raised in Orlando, Soweto, by his grandmother and single mother. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Mokwena’s love for football never wavered. He started his professional coaching career in the youth systems at Silver Stars before serving as an assistant manager at Mamelodi Sundowns. He is currently the manager of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the top football clubs in South Africa.
Mokwena’s passion for football is evident in everything he does. He has worked with some of the best football clubs in South Africa, including Orlando Pirates, Chippa United, and Mamelodi Sundowns. His dedication to the sport has earned him a reputation as one of the best coaches in the country. Mokwena’s journey to success has been fraught with challenges, but his unwavering commitment to his craft has seen him overcome them all.
Rhulani Mokwena  |
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 Image Credit : AL Jazeera |
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| Full Name: | Rhulani Mokwena Hloae |
| Born: | 9 January 1987 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | University of Johannesburg |
| Occupation: | Football Manager |
| Net Worth | Â $1 Million – $ 8 Million |
| Preferred Formation | Â 4-4-3 Attacking |
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Rulani Mokwena was born on January 9, 1987, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was raised in a footballing family and grew up in Orlando, Soweto. His father, Julias Sono Hloae, was a former Orlando Pirates player, and his uncle, Jomo Sono, is a former South African national team player and coach.
Rulani was raised by his grandmother, who instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He credits his grandmother for his success in life and football.
Academic Pursuits
Rulani Mokwena’s education started in Johannesburg, where he attended primary and secondary school. After completing his basic education, he enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, where he pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
While at university, Rulani developed an interest in football coaching and began working with youth teams in the local community. He also attended coaching clinics and workshops to hone his skills and knowledge of the game.
Rulani’s dedication and hard work paid off when he landed his first coaching job with Chippa United at the age of 33. He made history in the process, becoming the youngest head coach in the history of the South African Premier Soccer League.
Coaching Career
Image Credit : SoccerMag
Early Coaching Roles
Rulani Mokwena started his professional coaching career in the youth systems at Silver Stars, now known as Platinum Stars. He worked his way up the ranks, serving as an assistant coach at various clubs. Mokwena’s first coaching job as a first-team coach came in 2020 when he landed the job with Chippa United.
Rise to Prominence
Mokwena’s rise to prominence came when he served as an assistant manager at Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in South Africa. He worked under the tutelage of Pitso Mosimane, who prophesied that Mokwena was the future of South African football. Mokwena’s tactical acumen and attention to detail quickly caught the eye of the footballing world.
Mamelodi Sundowns Tenure
In 2020, Mokwena was appointed as the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most successful clubs in South Africa. He took over from Pitso Mosimane, who had left the club to join Al Ahly in Egypt. Mokwena’s tenure at Sundowns has been successful thus far, with the club winning the league title in the 2020/2021 season.
International Experience
Mokwena has also had international coaching experience, serving as an assistant coach for the South African national team. He was part of the technical team that guided Bafana Bafana to the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Mokwena’s international experience has helped him to develop a global perspective on the game, which he has brought back to South Africa.
Overall, Rulani Mokwena is a talented and knowledgeable coach who has made a name for himself in South African football. His tactical acumen and attention to detail have earned him the respect of his peers, and he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in the country.