Rulani Mokwena has opened up on why he reportedly turned down offer to come Egyptian side, Zamalek SC.
After being dimissed by Moroccan club, Wydad Casablanca due to unimpressive performances, Mokwenas has reveived multiple offers.
He was strongly linked to with the vacant Zamalek job, amongst other coaching opportunities across the African continent.
However, Pitso Mosimane, Mokwena’s former mentor and boss at Mamelodi Sundowns, was also linked to the coaching role at the club.
Addressing the speculation, Mokwena, explained why a move to Zamalek is unlikely, stating that he would not compete with Mosimane for the same position.
“I didn’t hear from them (Zamalek) after I had said I heard that coach Pitso was also in the running for this position,” Mokwena said on the Africa Soccer show.
“My relationship and my respect for him would not allow me to compete for the same coaching job with coach Pitso.
“It just wouldn’t sit well with me, so I pulled out. I said I would rather they give it to Pitso,” he added.
“Exactly what you are saying, my agent said, ‘But this is a big club’, and I said my respect for Pitso and what he has done for my career wouldn’t allow me to do that,” he added.
The Soweto-born gaffer joined the Botola Pro League powerhouse after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, reportedly due to a clash with sporting director Flemming Berg.
Meanwhile, Mosimane, one of the most decorated African managers, has been a free agent since parting ways with Iranian giants Esteghlal FC due to financial issues.
Mokwena and the former Al Ahly boss enjoyed a highly successful partnership at Masandawana, winning several titles together, including the CAF Champions League.
