Not long after confirming his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, Rulani Mokwena had caught the attention of Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and on Thursday afternoon the South African was confirmed as their next head coach.
This development sparks a broader discussion about the next steps in Mokwena's career, with opinions varying on whether it would have been right to continue in the DStv Premiership or venture into international waters.
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In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, former Sundowns midfielder Chancy Gondwe, who has experience playing both in South Africa and overseas, expressed that Mokwena's best move is abroad.
"I think it is right that he went to experience overseas football. Like Pitso did. I mean he has achieved more or less everything in South Africa. Yes, maybe not in the exact same way Pitso achieved but Mosimane has done very well for himself and there is nothing else to prove," Gondwe told the Siya crew.
"It will be a good experience for Rulani and he will test himself against some of the best coaches in the world so why not take that route?"
Gondwe, who also played for Kaizer Chiefs and had a stint in France, believes that Mokwena's move to Wydad Casablanca could be a transformative experience.
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"It doesn't matter whether its in North Africa or the Middle East, international experience would be good for him and for his career as well," Gondwe told Soccer Laduma.
Discussing the future possibility of Mokwena coaching another local team again, Gondwe was skeptical.
"After Sundowns there's nothing else in terms of resources and stuff. The closest will be Chiefs or Pirates but we all know that's not going to happen because they already have coaches. And personally I don't see him coaching anything below that," Gondwe observed.
Mokwena's move to Wydad is filled with fresh challenges and the opportunity to leave an international footprint. The SA football community will be watching closely as Mokwena aims to make a name for himself abroad.
