In one of the biggest managerial moves on the continent, South African tactician Rulani Mokwena has officially agreed to take the reins at reigning CAF Champions League winners, Pyramids FC, ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 39-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor joins the Egyptian powerhouses—often dubbed the “Manchester City of Egypt”—just seven months after taking charge of Libyan outfit Al Ittihad Tripoli.
Why Mokwena Left Libya
According to SABC Sport’s Mazola Molefe, Mokwena’s abrupt departure from Al Ittihad Tripoli stemmed from a breakdown in structural alignment rather than on-pitch performances.
“The 39-year-old leaves the Libyan side after just seven months, having exited amid differences over the club’s transfer policy and long-term strategy,” Molefe reported. “Mokwena believed promises made regarding recruitment and the club’s sporting project could no longer be fulfilled.”
A Long-Term Target Finally Secured
Pyramids FC’s hierarchy have long been admirers of the South African mastermind. The club reportedly tracked Mokwena for over two years, first registering interest after his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, and monitoring him through subsequent stints at Wydad Athletic Club and MC Alger (where he led the Algerian Ligue 1).
Mokwena steps into the dugout to replace Krunoslav Jurčić, inheriting a squad that has rapidly evolved from its mid-table roots as Al Assiouty Sport into an absolute African powerhouse.
The Rise of Pyramids FC
- 2018 Rebrand: Purchased and heavily backed by Turki Al-Sheikh, transforming the club into an immediate title contender.
- Current Ownership: Under Salem Al Shamsi, the club secured its first major piece of silverware with the 2024 Egypt Cup.
- Continental Glory: Reached the pinnacle of African football by capturing the 2024/25 CAF Champions League title.
Mokwena now faces the ultimate expectation: sustaining Pyramids’ continental dominance while going toe-to-toe with fierce local rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek for domestic supremacy.
