Mokwena and Barker recognised as October’s top coaches

Pyramids head coach Rulani Mokwena and Simba SC manager Steve Barker have both been named Coach of the Month after maintaining perfect league records during October.

Mokwena has won all 14 matches since taking charge of the Egyptian giants, including each of his eight Egyptian Premier League fixtures. Pyramids are the only side with a 100% record so far, earning the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach a second successive monthly award.

The Egyptian Premier Football Association (EPFA) confirmed Mokwena’s latest accolade, highlighting his unbeaten start in the league.

“For the second consecutive month, Mokwena earns this recognition, highlighted by an outstanding record of 8 wins from 8 league matches making him the only manager to achieve this perfect record,” the EPFA stated.

The award comes after Pyramids extended their winning run to 14 matches in all competitions. Mokwena’s team have also maintained their flawless record in the Egyptian Premier League, where all eight of their matches have ended in victory.

Barker, meanwhile, was selected as the NPA Premier League’s Coach of the Month in Tanzania.

Simba SC have also won every league match played this season, giving Barker a perfect record from their opening 10 fixtures. Three of those victories came in October, when his side scored nine goals and conceded two.

Their month began with a 2-1 victory over Young Africans in the Karikoo Derby. Simba SC then recorded a commanding 6-1 win against Mashujaa FC before completing the month with a 1-0 victory at Fountain Gate.

Those three wins were enough for Barker to secure the monthly award, with Simba SC continuing their 100% start to the new campaign.