Veteran South African coach Gordon Igesund has weighed in on the swirling speculation surrounding the future of Rulani Mokwena, urging the young tactician to prioritise happiness and stability over financial gain as he considers offers from Orlando Pirates and Egypt’s Pyramids FC.
Mokwena, who recently parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns after a successful yet turbulent spell, has been linked with two vastly different projects — a potential return to Orlando Pirates and a lucrative move to North Africa with Pyramids FC.
Speaking candidly, Igesund highlighted the critical point in Mokwena’s career, advising him to reflect deeply before making a decision.
“Pyramids can be a good move for him financially,” Igesund admitted, “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, a former Bafana Bafana boss and one of South Africa’s most respected coaching figures, expressed concern about Mokwena’s tendency to move too frequently.
“He moved from Sundowns to Wydad and didn’t stay long, and now he’s 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 must make up his mind and decide if he will join Pirates or head to North Africa,” Igesund advised.
Mokwena has been touted as one of the brightest coaching minds in African football, but Igesund stressed that longevity and consistency are crucial for a young coach’s development.
“He is a young coach and when you are young you need to get more experience. Pirates are a good team, they want to improve and try to beat Sundowns for the league title after they dominated for many years,” Igesund added.
While acknowledging the allure of a financially rewarding contract abroad, Igesund cautioned Mokwena not to let money be the overriding factor.
“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.”
As speculation continues, Mokwena faces a pivotal decision — one that could shape the trajectory of his promising coaching career.