Rhulani Mokwena Banks on Pitso Mosimane Mentorship Ahead of CAF Showdown
Rhulani Mokwena is drawing inspiration from his former mentor Pitso Mosimane as MC Alger prepare for a decisive CAF Champions League Group C encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns on February 14.
With a place in the quarter-finals hanging in the balance, Mokwena has revealed that he intends to apply principles he absorbed during his time under Mosimane at Chloorkop.
The Algerian outfit must secure victory to advance, while Sundowns also need a positive result to avoid elimination in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.
Also Read: ‘Give It to Pitso Mosimane’: Here is Why Rhulani Mokwena Rejected Zamalek Coaching Job Offer
Group C Goes Down to the Wire
After five matches, MC Alger sit second in the group standings, just one point ahead of third-placed Sundowns. The slim margin sets up a winner-takes-all scenario: triumph guarantees progression to the last eight, while defeat will end hopes of continental glory.
The fixture carries added significance for Mokwena, who previously worked at Sundowns and credits the club — and Mosimane in particular — for shaping his coaching journey. However, sentiment will take a back seat as the 38-year-old tactician focuses on steering MC Alger into the knockout rounds.
From Assistant to Accomplished Head Coach
Mokwena’s rise in African football has been closely linked to Mosimane’s faith in him. The three-time CAF inter-club competition winner elevated Mokwena from the Sundowns U19 setup to the senior technical team, a move that initially raised eyebrows.
Mosimane has previously recalled defending that decision, insisting that Mokwena possessed rare potential. He even predicted that his protégé would one day surpass him — a statement that was met with skepticism at the time.
Despite early doubts, Mokwena has carved out his own identity, going on to coach at top clubs including Orlando Pirates and Wydad Casablanca before taking charge of MC Alger.
A Philosophy Rooted in Opportunity
Among the key lessons Mokwena says he learned from Mosimane is the importance of trusting young talent. He believes that a coach’s role extends beyond tactics to creating pathways for emerging players.
Mokwena has consistently championed youth development throughout his managerial career, arguing that potential only flourishes when given opportunity. He maintains that every individual — whether in football or other professions — deserves a platform to prove themselves.
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