Back
Rulani Mokwena Sends Strong Message Ahead Of Al Ahly Clash As Pyramids Top Egyptian League
Rulani Mokwena has made his position clear ahead of Pyramids FC’s highly anticipated Egyptian Premier League showdown with Al Ahly, insisting that while the fixture is extremely important for his club and players, he does not view it as a personal defining moment.
Pyramids are preparing for a major test against the Egyptian giants on November 23, with the two clubs currently occupying the top two positions in the league standings.
Mokwena’s side have made a sensational start to the campaign. Pyramids currently lead the Egyptian Premier League with 24 points from eight matches, having won every league game so far. Al Ahly sit second on 20 points after recording six victories and two draws.
The South African coach was asked about the significance of the upcoming encounter and responded with a message that immediately attracted attention.
“It’s an important match for the club and the players, but it’s not important for Mokwena,” he said.
The statement reflects the coach’s approach to pressure. Rather than allowing the magnitude of facing one of Africa’s most successful clubs to become a personal issue, Mokwena appears determined to focus on preparation, tactics and the collective objectives of Pyramids.
He also explained that his approach to Al Ahly will not be fundamentally different from how he prepares for other opponents.
Mokwena stressed that he works with the same level of commitment for every match and places significant emphasis on studying his opponents before games. His recent preparations for El Dakhleya, whom Pyramids defeated 2-0 in the Egyptian Cup, were another example of the detailed approach he wants to maintain.
The victory over El Dakhleya extended Pyramids’ remarkable run under the South African tactician. The defending Egyptian Cup champions have now won 15 consecutive matches across all competitions since Mokwena took charge, highlighting the immediate impact he has made in Cairo.
Mokwena’s impressive beginning has also seen him receive individual recognition, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach reportedly being named Egyptian Premier League coach of the month for September and October.
The Red Devils possess enormous experience and remain one of the biggest forces in African football. A victory for Pyramids would allow Mokwena’s team to strengthen their position at the summit, while an Al Ahly win could dramatically reduce the gap at the top.
The fixture is also significant because Pyramids defeated Al Ahly 3-0 in their previous meeting, giving the Cairo giants another reason to approach the upcoming contest with determination.
For Mokwena, however, the focus remains firmly on his team rather than the personal headlines surrounding the fixture.
The 39-year-old has experienced intense pressure during his coaching career, including spells at Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca, MC Alger and Al-Ittihad Tripoli before taking over at Pyramids.
Source:
https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2119701712306885048/photo/1?a=R-Y2NyRS4LinexcqKWY&s=19