While Mamelodi Sundowns continue to navigate their own turbulent season under Miguel Cardoso, their former coach Rulani Mokwena is busy rewriting the record books in Egypt. The South African tactician has guided Pyramids FC to a stunning ten consecutive victories across all competitions, a run that has not only silenced his early critics but also raised uncomfortable questions about whether the Brazilians made a grave error in letting him go.

Mokwena’s latest masterclass came in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round, where his ten-man Pyramids side secured a gritty 1-0 away victory over Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu. Mahmoud Saber’s first-half strike proved decisive, but the real story was the tactical discipline Mokwena instilled to protect the lead despite a late red card. This win extended a perfect start that includes six straight Egyptian Premier League victories and a commanding 7-1 aggregate demolition of Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in the previous round.

The contrast with Sundowns’ current situation is stark. Under Cardoso, the Tshwane giants have shown vulnerability, most notably in a nervy Champions League group stage campaign that nearly ended in elimination before Brayan León rescued them against Mokwena’s former club, MC Alger. While Sundowns fans have been vocal in their frustration—even throwing water at sporting director Flemming Berg—Mokwena has been earning plaudits in Cairo for his meticulous preparation and winning mentality.

What makes Mokwena’s rise even more intriguing is his history against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. During his Sundowns tenure, he famously never lost to the Red Devils in four CAF Champions League meetings, including a 5-2 demolition in Pretoria. Now, as the head coach of Pyramids—the club that dethroned Sundowns in the 2025 continental final—he possesses both the tactical blueprint and the squad to challenge Al Ahly’s domestic supremacy.

Of course, it is too early to declare Sundowns’ decision to part ways with Mokwena a definitive mistake. The club did eventually secure the 2025/26 CAF Champions League title under Cardoso, a prize that eluded Mokwena during his time in Pretoria. However, with Pyramids sitting top of the Egyptian league without conceding a goal and Mokwena’s win rate abroad climbing with every match, the "what if" narrative will only grow louder if Sundowns’ domestic dominance continues to erode.

Source https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2111321370067960023