Rulani Mokwena plans sabbatical despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain

Rulani Mokwena says he intends to take a sabbatical after his current spell with Pyramids FC, despite receiving enquiries from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain in recent months.

The 39-year-old coach said the approaches had tested his determination to step away from club management, but he concluded that the timing was not right to pursue any of the opportunities.

Mokwena, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, revealed the offers in an exclusive interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA). He remains open to working in the Gulf region in the future, but believes he first needs a break from the demands of daily club football.

“I’ve had some interesting approaches from many, many parts of the world, actually, in the last few months, maybe. And why not? We will see how it goes. At that time, these type of leagues in Saudi, in Kuwait, in Bahrain, these type of teams have spoken, have inquired, but maybe it was not really the right time.”

His immediate plan is to use time away from management to recover mentally, reassess his methods and continue developing his football ideas before deciding on his next position.

Mokwena pointed to the experiences of Pitso Mosimane, Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane as examples of senior coaches who have benefited from stepping away from the game before returning with renewed energy.

“I’m due a very good sabbatical. Coach Pitso took a nice sabbatical and you see how fresh he is and how intense he is with the national team. So it’s good. Sometimes it’s needed.”

Mosimane’s period away from club football was particularly influential for Mokwena. The former Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns manager spent time away from the game after leaving Abha Club and Esteghlal, before taking charge of the South African national team in September 2026.

Mokwena said that break helped Mosimane return refreshed and with greater intensity.

Klopp and Zidane examples

Jurgen Klopp was another example cited by the Pyramids FC coach. Klopp left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, took a sabbatical and later accepted the Germany national team position.

“Klopp took one. Look how fresh he is with the German national team and intense.”

Mokwena also referred to Zidane’s pattern of leaving management between major appointments. The French coach took sabbaticals after departing Real Madrid on two separate occasions before eventually returning to lead the France national team.

“Zidane took one. Look how intense he is with the French national team. So it helps you as a coach to challenge your ideas, to stimulate and to work, to learn, to visit different people and develop yourself.”

For Mokwena, the examples underline the value of deliberately stepping away before taking on another demanding role.