A Fierce Pursuit of Perfection: The Story of Rhulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns

1 min read
soccer coaching

Rhulani Mokwena, the head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, is a man on a mission to achieve excellence. He is known for his unwavering passion for soccer and his dedication to honing his players’ skills to improve their performance. Despite securing the DStv Premiership title this season, Mokwena’s insatiable drive keeps him and his team striving for more.

Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

Mokwena’s dedication to his craft is reminiscent of the most distinguished artists and creators who constantly pushed the envelope to achieve greatness. His work ethic and passion for soccer are evident in his desire to have his team back on the training pitch as soon as possible, even forgoing a much-needed holiday. His motivation stems from the belief that the team could have performed better this season, despite winning the league and the Carling Cup.

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The Ethos of a True Leader

In an interview with FARPost, Mokwena articulated his determination to do better next year, stating, “There is a fire that says we should do more, and there is a pain that is pushing me to a space that we want to be back as soon as possible.” This sentiment reflects the ethos of a true leader who refuses to rest on his laurels and is always seeking ways to enhance his team’s performance.

Keen Eye for Talent

Mokwena’s keen eye for talent is another facet of his unwavering commitment to excellence. As the former Orlando Pirates coach, he has confirmed that the Sundowns will be on the lookout for new talent to bolster their ranks. However, he acknowledges that finding players who can elevate the already high standards set by the team will prove to be a challenging task.

The Importance of Hard Work

In an interview with iDiskiTimes’ Lorenz Kohler, Mokwena emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving improvement. He said, “The first way to improve and the most important way is more, more work – more training, more video [analysis], more development, more ideas, more advancement.” The coach’s dedication to his players’ growth and development is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the team’s success.

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Mokwena’s approach to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous improvement is not only a reflection of his personal passion but also serves as an inspiration to his players. By seeking out and integrating new, motivated players into the squad, he aims to instill a fresh energy that will invigorate the entire team.

The Road Ahead

As Mokwena begins another season with the Mamelodi Sundowns, there’s no doubt that his unyielding drive for success and constant pursuit of excellence will continue to elevate the team to new heights. His dedication to his players and determination to advance their skills are hallmarks of a true leader who understands that greatness is not an end in itself, but an ongoing journey.

Emma Botha is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting social-justice landscape for the Mail & Guardian, tracing stories from Parliament floor to Khayelitsha kitchen tables. Born and raised on the slopes of Devil’s Peak, she still hikes Lion’s Head before deadline days to remind herself why the mountain and the Mother City will always be her compass.

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