Rulani Mokwena: Pyramids FC must build a Barcelona-style identity

Rulani Mokwena says Pyramids FC must establish and impose its own identity, drawing inspiration from Barcelona, as the club seeks to attract supporters through success.

“Barcelona, for example, has supporters and history, but alongside that it also has an identity,” Mokwena said in an interview with Al-Nahar TV. “Pyramids may not have the history, but we know that many supporters love a winning team. That means if we win, we will attract fans, as we have seen in some matches when they filled the stadium.”

Mokwena compared his role to that of an artist shaping a painting, with Pyramids’ style of play forming the finished work.

“I am like a painter creating a picture and shaping it,” he said. “This is Pyramids’ way of playing. It is different from Al Ahly and Zamalek, because they have history. We want to build our identity, impose it and send a message to the supporters: this is who we are.”

The South African also spoke with respect about Zamalek, whom he has watched regularly in the CAF Champions League.

“I have seen Zamalek many times in the CAF Champions League and I know they have lost a lot of players and changed their manager, but Zamalek will remain Zamalek,” he said. “It is a historic club and extremely important in the eyes of the Egyptian people.”

“Zamalek contributes to the development of football in Egypt despite the difficulties it faces. There is a path to success and to solving problems. It is a club I respect greatly.”

Mokwena described Al Ahly as a central part of Egyptian football, given the quality of their squad and the club’s prominence.

“Al Ahly have many outstanding players,” he added. “When anyone thinks about Egyptian football, they automatically think of Al Ahly.”

Pyramids have made a strong start to the league campaign, winning their opening three matches, scoring six goals and conceding none. Those results have placed them at the top of the table.

Mokwena said the title race was already highly competitive and explained that he had watched as many matches as possible before the season began to understand the league.

“There is strong competition in the league this year,” he said. “I tried to watch as many matches as possible to get a general idea of the league before it started.”

He added that his preparation had begun while he was in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns. When Sundowns faced Pyramids, Mokwena said he watched five hours of analytical video.

“The beginning was difficult,” he said. “You have to study this league carefully. You need to understand the players’ abilities and mindsets, and notice everything that causes them tension or places pressure on them.”

Mokwena also acknowledged that his management style differs from that of former Pyramids manager Krunoslav Jurcic, who was known for his animated instructions from the touchline during matches.

“My way of managing Pyramids is different from Jurcic’s,” Mokwena said. “There are many ways to motivate players, and every manager has his own method.”

He said the two coaches had different personalities and beliefs, although they shared the same objective.

“The previous manager and I have different personalities and beliefs, but the goal is the same,” Mokwena said. “I do not want to distract the players with too many instructions during the match.”

Instead, he aims to provide the squad with the tools and encouragement needed to win.

“I work hard to give the players every weapon that can help them win, and I give them many things that encourage them,” he said.

Mokwena added that he wanted the players to solve problems themselves during matches, while also using psychological incentives to push them towards their best performances.

“I motivate the players to solve problems in matches, and that is the technical side,” he said. “Psychologically, there are internal incentives that a player receives from external influences, whether from the manager, the supporters, financial rewards or achieving glory. But motivation must come from within. I know it is difficult, but I push the players until they reach their best performance.”