| Quick Facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rhulani Mokwena Hloae |
| Date of Birth | 9 January 1987 (age 37 years) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Career Highlight | Manager of Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Family Background | Son of Julias Sono Hloae, nephew of Jomo Sono |
| Coaching Debut | Silver Stars (Platinum Stars) youth systems |
| Major Achievements | Assistant Manager for Mamelodi Sundowns during 2016 CAF Champions League victory |
| Notable Roles | Interim Manager of Orlando Pirates, Head Coach of Chippa United |
Rhulani Mokwena Hloae Biography
Rhulani Mokwena Hloae, born on 9 January 1987, is a prominent South African football manager who has made significant contributions to the sport both as a coach and a manager. Born into a footballing family, with his father Julias Sono Hloae being a former Orlando Pirates player and his uncle Jomo Sono a legendary figure in South African football, Mokwena’s passion for the game was nurtured from an early age.
Early Career and Development
Mokwena began his professional coaching journey in the youth systems of Silver Stars, which later became known as Platinum Stars. Under the mentorship of coaches like Steve Komphela, Cavin Johnson, and Allan Freese, he honed his coaching skills and developed a deep understanding of the game.
Career with Mamelodi Sundowns
In 2014, Mokwena joined Mamelodi Sundowns, where he initially worked with the club’s development team before rising to prominence as one of manager Pitso Mosimane’s assistant managers. During his tenure, Sundowns achieved notable successes, including the 2016 CAF Champions League title, showcasing Mokwena’s tactical acumen and strategic contributions.
Managerial Stints
Mokwena’s managerial career took a significant turn in August 2019 when he was appointed as the interim-manager of Orlando Pirates following Milutin Sredojević’s departure. Despite a challenging start, he led the team through a transitional period before returning to his role as assistant manager with the arrival of Josef Zinnbauer.
In March 2020, Mokwena took on the role of head coach at Chippa United, albeit briefly due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of the league. Despite overseeing only one match during his tenure, his impact was felt within the club.
Return to Mamelodi Sundowns
In 2020, Mokwena rejoined Mamelodi Sundowns, this time as co-coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi. Their partnership proved successful, culminating in Sundowns’ continued dominance in South African football. In October 2022, Mngqithi transitioned to a senior coaching role under Mokwena’s leadership.
Recent Developments
On 3 July 2024, it was confirmed that Rhulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns had mutually parted ways. This decision, as reported by Goal.com, was influenced by considerations of the club’s objectives and expectations.