Rulani Mokwena has broken his silence regarding reports linking him with a move to Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, where fellow South African coach Pitso Mosimane is also said to be in contention for the job.
Mokwena was recently dismissed by Wydad Athletic Club, following what the club described as a disappointing run of results, despite leading them to a third-place finish in the league.
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Since his departure from Wydad, the highly-rated 38-year-old mentor has been strongly linked with the vacant Zamalek job, amongst other coaching opportunities across the African continent.
Reports have suggested that Zamalek are also monitoring Mosimane, Mokwena’s former mentor and boss at Mamelodi Sundowns, as they look to replace the recently sacked Jose Peseiro.
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.
Now, addressing the speculation, Mokwena, who also coached Orlando Pirates, has 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.
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"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."
The two SA coaches are said to be competing for the job with several high-profile coaches, including a Romanian manager Laurentiu Reghecampf, who has extensive experience in African football.
