Rules Out Coaching Kaizer Chiefs
By Sello Masilo
Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has emphatically dismissed any possibility of ever taking the helm at Kaizer Chiefs, citing deep-rooted family loyalty to Orlando Pirates.
In statements that have stirred up the Soweto derby rivalry, Mokwena joked that his father would disown him if he crossed over to the Amakhosi.
The 39-year-old, currently leading MC Alger in Algeria, reiterated his lifelong allegiance to the Buccaneers, where his family’s legacy runs deep.
This comes amid speculation linking him to Chiefs, who are searching for a permanent coach after a string of underwhelming seasons.
Mokwena’s comments, revealed through an insider, underline the personal and cultural barriers that make such a move unthinkable in South African football.
As Chiefs eye a major appointment in 2026, Mokwena’s stance adds intrigue to the coaching carousel.
His success at Sundowns—where he won multiple titles—and his current form in North Africa have made him a fan favourite for big jobs, but family ties appear unbreakable.
Mokwena’s Firm Stance on Chiefs Speculation
Speaking through a close insider to Soccer Laduma, Mokwena made his position crystal clear on 7 January 2026. “There’s no Rulani going to Chiefs.
No, it will never happen. Even Rulani is not thinking about it. Rulani is a Pirate. Rulani’s team is Pirates. Even his father, they would disown him if you ask. Rulani will never come to Kaizer Chiefs.
It’s not even football. Rulani himself is not interested in that. He won’t take that. You see both sides,” the source revealed.
Mokwena himself has echoed similar sentiments in past interviews, emphasising his Pirates heritage. “There’s no way I will ever coach Kaizer Chiefs.
I’m a Pirate through and through. My heart belongs to Orlando Pirates. Honestly, if I were to even think about going to Chiefs, my father would disown me.
It’s not just about football; it’s about family, loyalty, and tradition. I grew up in this culture, in a family that bleeds Pirates, and there’s no turning that around. Chiefs will never be an option for me, and I’m okay with that.”
These words shut down rumours that have swirled since Chiefs parted ways with Nasreddine Nabi in late 2025, with interim coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef holding the fort.
Fans and pundits had floated Mokwena as a dream hire, given his tactical acumen and success in the PSL.
Deep Family Ties to Orlando Pirates
Mokwena’s aversion to Chiefs stems from a profound family connection to Pirates, often called the “Happy People.”
He is the grandson of Eric “Scara” Sono, a Pirates legend from the 1960s and 1970s who embodied the club’s flair and spirit.
His father, Julius “KK” Sono, also played for the Buccaneers, while his uncle, Jomo Sono—known as the “Black Prince”—is a Pirates icon who later founded Jomo Cosmos but remains synonymous with Soweto’s black-and-white.
Growing up in this environment, Mokwena absorbed Pirates’ culture from a young age. He began his coaching career at Pirates in 2019, though it was brief and ended amid challenges.
Despite moving on to roles at Chippa United, Sundowns, and abroad, his identity remains tied to the club. “I grew up in this culture, in a family that bleeds Pirates,” he has said, making a switch to arch-rivals Chiefs akin to betrayal.
The Soweto derby rivalry amplifies this—matches between Pirates and Chiefs are more than games; they’re cultural battles dividing families and communities.
Mokwena’s comments tap into this passion, resonating with Pirates fans while amusing or frustrating Chiefs supporters.
Mokwena’s Coaching Journey and Current Success
Mokwena’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs. After assisting at Pirates, he joined Sundowns in 2020, rising to head coach in 2022.
Under him, the Brazilians dominated, winning the PSL title three times, the Nedbank Cup, and the inaugural African Football League.
His innovative tactics and youth development earned praise, but a fallout with management led to his exit in mid-2025.
He then took over at Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, but that stint was short-lived due to reported board interference.
By late 2025, he landed at MC Alger, where he’s unbeaten in his first 10 matches as of January 2026, leading the Algerian Ligue 1.
This form has fuelled Chiefs links, but Mokwena’s loyalty quashes them.
Chiefs, meanwhile, sit mid-table in the 2025/2026 PSL season, desperate for a turnaround.
Sources suggest a high-profile coach announcement looms, with names like Pitso Mosimane or foreign options in the mix.
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