Rulani Mokwena says North Africa presents a different challenge after Pyramids appointment

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has said managing in North Africa will present a very different challenge from his successful spell at Mamelodi Sundowns after being unveiled as the new head coach of Egyptian champions Pyramids FC.

The 39-year-old was introduced alongside his technical team at a ceremony in Cairo on Tuesday after agreeing a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further season.

Speaking at his unveiling, Mokwena thanked the club’s hierarchy for entrusting him with the role and said he was eager to begin work with a side he described as one of the continent’s leading clubs.

“I thank Pyramids’ management for this great opportunity,” he said. “It is a great honour for me to coach a club like Pyramids, which has all these capabilities. It is a big team.”

He acknowledged that, despite enjoying significant success with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, coaching in North Africa would require a different approach.

“I am very excited to take on this new challenge. We are fully aware of the responsibility placed on us and are ready for the next stage,” he said.

“I had a great experience with South African club Sundowns, but working in North Africa is different.”

Mokwena also revealed that he had studied Pyramids extensively before accepting the role, saying he watched 39 of the club’s matches from last season as part of his preparation.

“I have my own identity and my own way of leading and playing football,” he said. “I am the first African coach in the club’s history, and that is a great responsibility. We have to prove that we are capable of succeeding.”

The former Sundowns coach added that he has followed Egyptian football for years, including during his time working in Algeria.

“I follow the Egyptian league closely. During my time in Algeria, I used to watch Egyptian league matches, and when negotiations began, I watched 39 Pyramids matches,” he said.