Mokwena eager to meet Mosimane after South Africa appointment

Rulani Mokwena says he hopes to meet Pitso Mosimane in Cairo after his compatriot was appointed head coach of South Africa.

Mosimane, who recently took charge of Bafana Bafana, is preparing for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as he looks to guide the four-time finalists back to the continental tournament.

South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside co-hosts Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea.

They face Guinea on 26 September before taking on Eritrea four days later, ahead of an international friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October.

Mokwena, who coaches Pyramids FC, said he intends to congratulate Mosimane during that visit.

“I will try to meet Mosimane when he comes to Cairo, and I will congratulate him on taking charge of the South African national team,” he said on the Changing Room programme, according to Algomhor.

Mokwena also reflected on Mosimane’s spell at Egyptian giants Al Ahly, arguing that his success should be judged by the silverware he delivered.

“Working in major clubs like Al Ahly means being judged according to the titles you achieve, and according to that equation, Mosimane succeeded at the Red Castle,” he said.

“Mosimane achieved several championships with Al Ahly, but he was not successful in winning the league title, and from my point of view he achieved great success with the team.”

Mosimane was in charge of Al Ahly from October 2020 until June 2022, winning five major trophies during his tenure.

The 62-year-old guided the Cairo club to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021, added two CAF Super Cups and lifted the Egypt Cup.

He also led Al Ahly to consecutive third-place finishes at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2020 and 2021.

Mosimane will now aim to replicate that success with South Africa as Bafana Bafana begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.