Rulani Mokwena reveals two Orlando Pirates transfer secrets
JOHANNESBURG — Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed how he recommended Relebohile Mofokeng to Sundowns before Orlando Pirates secured the youngster’s signature, and later advised Sipho Mbule to join the Buccaneers after leaving the Pretoria club.
The revelations offer an unusual insight into two important transfer decisions involving South Africa’s biggest football clubs, with Mokwena playing different roles in the careers of both players.
Speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association on Thursday, Mokwena recalled watching Mofokeng represent the School of Excellence against Orlando Pirates in an Engen Knockout tournament.
Impressed by the youngster’s ability, he immediately contacted Shawn Bishop, who was then responsible for youth development and coaching methodology at Sundowns.
Mokwena recalled telling Bishop that Sundowns needed to sign the School of Excellence’s number 10.
However, Pirates were also pursuing Mofokeng and moved decisively to secure his services.
Mofokeng subsequently developed into one of the Buccaneers’ most influential players, earning recognition at international level with Bafana Bafana.
Mokwena acknowledged that his career might have developed differently had Sundowns signed him.
He credited Pirates with providing the playing opportunities, coaching and dressing-room environment that helped the youngster mature into an established professional.
The former Sundowns coach’s account also adds to earlier revelations from Mofokeng’s father, Sechaba, who said Sundowns had shown sustained interest in his son before Pirates completed the signing.
While Sundowns missed out on Mofokeng, Mokwena later found himself advising another talented midfielder about whether to move in the opposite direction.
Sipho Mbule approached his former coach for guidance after his contract with Sundowns expired in 2025.
Mbule had attracted interest from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, but Mokwena believed the Buccaneers offered an environment better suited to his playing style.
The coach explained that his recommendation was influenced by his understanding of Pirates’ football culture, having grown up in Orlando West and previously worked at the club.
He argued that Pirates supporters have historically embraced technically gifted players capable of entertaining crowds, citing former favourites Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise and Jomo Sono.
Mokwena believed Mbule possessed similar qualities and would be appreciated by the club’s supporters.
Interestingly, Mokwena said he did not know Kaizer Chiefs had also approached Mbule when the midfielder sought his advice.
He explained that Mbule had asked specifically whether joining Pirates would be a good decision, rather than requesting a comparison between competing offers.
Mbule ultimately joined Pirates and contributed to their treble-winning 2025/26 campaign, although his playing opportunities became limited during the second half of the season.
He subsequently left South Africa to join Iraqi club Zakho SC.
Despite the midfielder’s relatively short stay, Mokwena maintains that recommending Pirates was the correct decision.
The revelations come ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final between Pirates and Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Pirates are pursuing a fifth consecutive title, while Sundowns are attempting to end their rivals’ dominance of the competition.
Mokwena’s account highlights two contrasting recruitment outcomes. Sundowns were alerted to Mofokeng’s potential but did not secure his signature, while Mbule received encouragement from a former Sundowns coach to continue his career with Pirates.
In both cases, Mokwena believes the Buccaneers provided an environment suited to the players’ abilities, although their careers at the club have followed different paths.
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