SuperSport United chasing Rhulani Mokwena for coaching job

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jun 05, 2018. 11:00

Latest news reports suggest that SuperSport United are looking to secure Rhulani Mokwena’s signature as their new coach.

The Tshwane side is still looking to find a coach as they plan for the 2018/19 South African Premier Soccer League season.

According to local media reports, the Orlando Pirates assistant coach is seen as a perfect candidate to replace Eric Tinkler who resigned in March this year.

It is understood by the Sowetan website that early-stage negotiations are underway behind the scenes between SuperSport and the Buccaneers for Mokwena to be given his first head coaching job.

Mokwena, who is currently assistant coach at the Buccaneers, has earned a host of suitors but it is understood that Matsatsantsa A Pitori are making the biggest push.

The 32-year-old is the tactical whiz-kid of South African football with a proven track record of success as an assistant.

The former Platinum Stars assistant trainer won the Absa Premiership (2015/16), Telkom Knockout (2015/16), Nedbank Cup (2014/15) CAF Champions League (2016) and Super Cup (2017) during his spell at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The website reports that sources say United have centred their pitch to Mokwena on giving him a similar platform they gave to Pitso Mosimane when he first started out as head coach.

When contacted for comment, Pirates administrator Floyd Mbele said they will make an announcement when the time is right.

"If I give you a comment then I will be laying credence to what your sources have told you and I do not operate that way. If there is any announcement to be made then we will do it when the time comes," Mbele said to the Sowetan.

Although Mokwena could be the head coach, he will work together with long-serving assistant coach Kaitano Tembo, who took charge and helped the team finish in the top eight after Tinkler’s departure.