Former Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda salutes Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena

Amakhosi legend Wedson Nyirenda is a big fan of the Brazilian boss Rhulani Mokwena, whose team is unbeaten this season so far in the South African Premier League. 

Former Zambia international and Kaizer Chiefs striker Wedson Nyirenda has expressed his humble salutation on Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, calling him a “special” coach. 

Mokwena started his career with the now-defunct Platinum Stars as a youth coach in 2007, before he was promoted to assistant to Steve Khompela two years later. 

His passion and commitment saw him moving to Masandawana's development side to pursue his career. 

This was before he joined the senior team in 2014 to serve as a second in command, as the most African decorated mentor Pitso Mosimane oversaw the first team. 

The 37-year-old coach has also coached the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates, and Chippa United, before returning to Chloorkop in July 2020, before Mosimane's exit to Al Ahly. 

Mokwena's trophy haul at the club as a coach includes three DStv Premiership titles [Two as a co-coach with Manqoba Mngqithi] and the recent African Football League [AFL] title.

Meanwhile, he was part of the Sundowns technical team that won the CAF Champions League and several cup competition trophies under the guidance of the current Abha coach, Mosimane. 

Nyirenda lauds Mokwena's achievements 

The former Chiefs goal-poacher has heaped praise on Mokwena, insisting his commitment to the game is too “immense” 

“Rhulani [Mokwena] is doing an incredible job, that's clear for everyone to see," Nyirenda told SportsBoom. 

"It's easy for me to say he is a perfect example of a coach with a passion for the game. The young man learns and grows every day. 

“His determination and quest for success is so immense, and he's going to be one of the greatest coaches your country has ever produced.”

A good example of a modern coach

Nicknamed after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Mokwena is famously known for the intensity he brings to his role and playing the possession-based Tiki-Taka brand of football. 

The former Baroka FC coach believes that Mokwena is one of the most creative and present-day tacticians.

“He is a good reflection of the modern coach. One thing is that he is not afraid of trying new things and coming up with new ideas, he's special,” the former Baroka coach said. 

"One may argue that he has all the money to buy any quality players, and that is true, but who says it is an easy task to bring together players from different backgrounds and make them gel and play in unison as he does? 

"We have seen many coaches at teams that have too much money, but they still could and can't put together a team to perform well.