Rulani Mokwena’s best winning streaks from Mamelodi Sundowns to Pyramids

Rulani Mokwena has begun his time at Pyramids with nine successive victories in all competitions, prompting a review of the South African coach’s longest winning runs.

The latest success came on Monday, when Pyramids recovered from a deficit to beat Ceramica Cleopatra 4-1 in the Premier League. The result maintained Mokwena’s perfect record since taking charge in Egypt.

Pyramids have won all six of their league matches and sit top of the table with 18 points. They are two points clear of second-placed Al Ahly, the perennial former champions.

Mokwena’s unbeaten winning sequence also includes Pyramids’ two CAF Champions League first-round qualifying victories against Kenyan side Gor Mahia. They won 2-0 away before completing a 5-1 victory at home, progressing 7-1 on aggregate.

Record-breaking spell at Mamelodi Sundowns

Mokwena’s most notable run came after he was appointed sole head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in October 2022.

Sundowns won their first 12 league matches under his leadership, surpassing the club’s previous PSL record. That sequence was then extended to 15 consecutive league victories between September 2022 and March 2023.

The remarkable run ended when Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by Stellenbosch.

Mokwena also opened the 2023/24 season with a perfect record as head coach of Masandawana. He guided the club to 11 successive victories before a goalless draw against Cape Town City in December 2024 ended the streak, according to Transfermarkt.

Struggles after leaving Sundowns

Mokwena’s fortunes changed after he was relieved of his duties by the Tshwane giants. He subsequently took charge of Wydad Casablanca, who were struggling at the time, but his longest winning sequence during a 10-month stay in Morocco lasted only five matches.

The former Orlando Pirates coach was unable to reproduce his earlier success during shorter spells at MC Alger and Al Ittihad. He spent only four months at Al Ittihad before appearing to rediscover his winning formula at Pyramids.

His current run in Egypt is therefore already longer than his best sequence in Morocco and has placed Pyramids at the summit of the Premier League after six matches.