Pitso Mosimane vs. Rulani Mokwena: A Tale of Two Masterminds The recent triumph of Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League has reignited the debate surrounding the coaching prowess of Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena. While Mosimane has etched his name in history as one of Africa’s greatest tacticians, Mokwena’s future as a potential successor has been called into question. Mosimane’s Accomplishments at Sundowns During his tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns from 2012 to 2020, Mosimane enjoyed unparalleled success. He led the club to five league titles, three CAF Champions League triumphs, and numerous other domestic cups. His pragmatic approach and attacking flair transformed Sundowns into a dominant force both locally and continentally. Mokwena’s Role as Sundowns’ Assistant Coach Mokwena joined Sundowns as an assistant coach in 2014 and played a significant role in the club’s success under Mosimane. His analytical mind and innovative ideas were instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy and tactics. However, despite his contributions, many believe that he lacked the final decision-making authority to truly prove his worth as a head coach. The Hypothetical Question: Would Mokwena Have Won the CAFCL with Sundowns? The question of whether Mokwena could have emulated Mosimane’s achievements with Sundowns remains largely speculative. Some argue that his lack of experience as a head coach at the time would have been a major hindrance. Others point to his impressive record as a caretaker manager during Mosimane’s absences, demonstrating his tactical acumen and ability to motivate players. Ultimately, the answer to this hypothetical question will forever remain unknown. However, it is worth considering that Mokwena was an integral part of Sundowns’ success under Mosimane and played a key role in the development of the team’s playing style. Mokwena’s Future Prospects Despite the lingering doubts about his readiness to take on a top coaching role, Mokwena has shown immense potential as a future leader. His appointment as Kaizer Chiefs head coach in 2022 was a significant step in his career, and he has guided the Soweto giants to a respectable league finish and a semifinal appearance in the Confederation Cup. As Mokwena continues to gain experience and refine his coaching philosophy, it is entirely possible that he could one day ascend to the heights achieved by Mosimane. Whether or not he would have won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns remains a mystery, but his talent and determination suggest that he has the potential to be a formidable force in African football in the years to come.Mosimane Believes Mokwena Could Have Led Sundowns to CAF Champions League GloryMosimane Believes Mokwena Could Have Led Sundowns to CAF Champions League Glory Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane expressed his belief that Rulani Mokwena could have guided Masandawana to a second CAF Champions League title had he not been dismissed. Mokwena was surprisingly sacked by Sundowns last week despite a successful season that included two trophies and a record-breaking 73 points in the DStv Premiership. The club cited unspecified “objectives and expectations” that Mokwena allegedly failed to meet. Mosimane, who appointed Mokwena as his assistant in 2014, praised his former protégé’s abilities. He believes Mokwena was on the verge of achieving Sundowns’ long-awaited second star. “I am not saying that Sundowns can never win the Champions League if Rulani or I are not there,” Mosimane said. “But the question is when will Sundowns win it? When you get to the semi-finals twice, you end up in the final. And when you are in the final, you better win it.” Mosimane emphasized that Mokwena’s team had broken the PSL points record, a feat previously achieved by Mosimane’s Sundowns team in 2015/16. “I thought another South African would give us a star again,” Mosimane added. “Rulani was the right man for me, he was the one.” Mokwena is reportedly close to joining North African giants Wydad Casablanca, who are expected to finalize a deal with him soon.Former Sundowns Coach Pitso Mosimane Believes Rulani Mokwena Would Have Won CAF Champions League Title Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has expressed his belief that current coach Rulani Mokwena would have led the team to victory in the CAF Champions League final. Sundowns lost 2-0 to Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in the final, held in May 2022. Mosimane, who guided Sundowns to a record-breaking five consecutive league titles, left the club in September 2020. Speaking to the media after watching Sundowns’ recent 2-0 victory over Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League group stage, Mosimane praised Mokwena’s tactical prowess and ability to get the best out of his players. “I believe that Rulani would have won the Champions League with Sundowns,” Mosimane said. “He has a very good understanding of the game and is able to adapt to different situations.” Mosimane also praised Mokwena’s work ethic and dedication, saying that he had the makings of a “great coach.” “Rulani is a very hard-working coach and he is always learning,” Mosimane said. “He has a bright future ahead of him.” Mokwena has been in charge of Sundowns since Mosimane’s departure and has guided the team to a number of successes, including the 2021-22 Premier Soccer League title and the 2022 MTN 8 Cup.