CAIRO, EGYPT — The wait is finally over. Egyptian football giants Pyramids FC have officially confirmed the appointment of South African tactician Rhulani Mokwena as their new head coach ahead of the highly anticipated 2026/27 season.
The Cairo-based powerhouse announced the arrival of the 39-year-old football mastermind across their official social media platforms, sending a powerful message to supporters with the statement: “The next phase begins now.” The announcement showcased Mokwena taking charge of the club’s technical project as Pyramids prepare for a new era of ambition and success.
A Major Continental Appointment
Mokwena’s move to Egypt represents one of the biggest coaching appointments in African football this year.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor has reportedly signed a lucrative one-season contract, with an option to extend for an additional campaign should both parties agree. The deal highlights Pyramids’ confidence in Mokwena’s ability to transform their ambitions into tangible success.
Reports surrounding the agreement suggest that the financial package is valued at approximately $120,000 (around R2.1 million) per month, covering Mokwena and members of his technical team — placing him among the highest-paid coaches on the continent.
True to his philosophy of building a complete technical structure, Mokwena has been granted significant influence over his backroom staff. Trusted figures from his previous coaching journeys, including Sinethemba Badela, Wendell Robinson, and Sibusiso Mahlangu, are expected to join him in Cairo as he looks to implement his possession-based, high-intensity football philosophy.
A New Chapter After Libya Exit
The official announcement from Pyramids arrives shortly after Mokwena ended his brief spell with Libyan Premier League side Al-Ittihad Tripoli.
The South African coach spent nearly seven months in Libya, where he guided the club through a competitive period before deciding to step away following differences with management over the club’s long-term sporting vision, recruitment strategy, and transfer planning.
Rather than returning home to the Betway Premiership, Mokwena remained focused on expanding his influence across the continent.
His impressive coaching résumé — highlighted by domestic success with Mamelodi Sundowns and continental achievements, including lifting the 2025 Algerian Super Cup with MC Alger — made him one of Africa’s most sought-after managerial figures.
Pyramids’ Title Ambitions Rest on Mokwena
Pyramids FC have admired Mokwena’s work for almost two years, and after a lengthy pursuit, they have finally secured their preferred candidate.
He arrives as the successor to Serbian coach Krunoslav Jurčić, inheriting a club equipped with significant resources, a talented squad, and ambitions of challenging Africa’s football elite.
The Mission Is Clear: Mokwena’s task is to turn Pyramids FC into a dominant force. With world-class facilities, strong financial backing, and a squad capable of competing at the highest level, he is expected to challenge the historic Cairo dominance of Al Ahly and Zamalek while leading a serious assault on the CAF Champions League.
With players set to undergo pre-season medical assessments and fitness testing, the Rhulani Mokwena era at Pyramids FC has officially begun.
A new chapter in African football has arrived — and all eyes will be on Cairo.
