Rulani Mokwena: Perfect start at Pyramids is also redemption

Rulani Mokwena continues to make a strong argument about being one of South Africa’s finest coaches.

So far, he has guided Pyramids FC to an unbeaten run domestically and in the CAF Champions League.

Mokwena is now chasing the major trophy his former team took away from his new club two years ago.

Pyramids FC and Sundowns chasing same goal

In June 2025, Pyramids FC beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate to claim the CAF Champions League trophy.

This was the Egyptian club’s first continental trophy, making it the country’s fourth team to conquer African football.

However, holding on to the title was much harder, with Pyramids knocked out in the quarter-finals the next year.

Sundowns went on to defeat Morocco’s AS FAR in the final to claim their second Champions League trophy.

With Mokwena based in Cairo, this means he may have to go through his old club to reach the top again with Pyramids.

Rulani Mokwena: A flawless start in Cairo

Taking over from Krunoslav Jurcic in July, Mokwena has guided his team to an inspired domestic and continental start.

With the win over Eastern Enppi SC on 17 September, Pyramids are leading the Egyptian Premier League with 5 from 5, as confirmed by FlashScore.

The South African tactician has focused on continuity over rebuilding, and his approach seems to have worked this far.

Pyramids also opened their CAF CL campaign with a win over Kenya’s Gor Mahia to reach the second preliminary round.

This win has set up a meeting with South Sudan’s El Merreikh Bentiu and drawn even more eyes to the coach’s efforts.

The Egyptian Association of Professional Football Players even recognised Mokwena as August’s Coach of the Month.

Why this matters

For South Africans who continue to follow the coach’s journey, the real story will be how far he can take Pyramids towards being the best team in Africa.

Mokwena has reportedly turned down talk about the length of his contract, stating that his focus remains on preparing the squad to claim silverware.

Should he lead the Egyptian club to the CAF CL title, it could raise some interesting questions about Sundowns and the recipe for their success.

Upcoming fixture details for Pyramids FC

CAF Champions League (Second Preliminary Round)

First leg vs El Merriekh Bentiu (16-18 October) – details to be confirmed

Second leg vs El Merriekh Bentiu (23-25 October) – details to be confirmed