Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has made an interesting Rulani Mokwena revelation.
Motsepe elevated Mokwena to the position of head coach midway through the season.
The move put an end to the co-coaching set-up under which Mokwena shared responsibilities with Manqoba Mngqithi.
The 35-year-old Mokwena has since guided Sundowns to their sixth successive title and remains unbeaten since taking over.
In his Chairman’s Note of the latest Sundowns Magazine edition, Motsepe paid tribute to the young coach.
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“Coach Rulani was the youngest coach to win the PSL title back in the 2011/22 season, his path to the position of Head Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns was one that was not easily attained, especially at 35 years old.
“Under Rulani’s leadership, the Club has won its first-ever Carling Black Label Cup, securing two clean sheets and scoring seven goals on its way to clinching the day-long competition.
“He has been called a genius, a student of the game and a mastermind,” wrote Motsepe.
His revelation on the Sundowns head coach is a lesson he believes young people can learn from him.
“The lesson young people can learn from Rulani is that he holds himself to the highest standards. He does not cut corners when it comes to preparing for matches, and he takes his job very seriously.
“I doubt that there is a Coach who works as hard as he does – that is the reason he is at the top of his game.
“For young people in any profession, the best thing you can do for your own personal growth is to demand the best of yourself and stay committed to your goals, even when you feel tired or demoralised. “When I think about Coach Rulani’s work ethic, the words of the late Kobe Bryant come to mind, who said, “Dedication sees dreams come true.“ Stay dedicated, but don’t just hold on to your dream, dedicate time (a lot of time) to achieving it,” concluded Motsepe.
He will be looking to Mokwena to deliver the CAF Champions League title this season.
Sundowns are through to the quarterfinals after finishing the group stages unbeaten.