Mokwena in dark about Chippa coaching role
Interim coach Rulani Mokwena will bide his time and wait for Chippa United and Orlando Pirates to make a decision on his future this week.
Mokwena’s loan contract from Pirates with the Port Elizabeth side lapses at the end of the month and Chippa are yet to decide on whether to extend his stay or not.
Chilli Boy’s COO Lukhanyo Mzinzi told the Herald on Tuesday that the club was still in discussion with Pirates and would make an announcement this week.
Until then the 33-year-old coach will have to wait for the two clubs to decide his fate.
Mokwena said he was aware of discussions between the clubs but was still in dark.
“As far as I know there are three parts to this. It’s myself of course represented by my agent, it’s Pirates and it’s Chippa United,” Mokwena said.
“At this moment in time I have not heard of any updates on the discussion. I know there are discussions but I know that everybody has to come to an agreement unfortunately.”
Asked what decision he would make if it were up to him, Mokwena replied: “I have been taught in football that you can never be emotional ahead of the game itself.
“You have got to put the game into perspective.
“It’s a club that has a lot of potential and has fantastic facilities. It has a great chairman. Contrary to what people say, I think the chairman is a great person and I have enjoyed working with him.
“He is very supportive, ambitious and like I said I have enjoyed working with the players.
“The players are very good people, hardworking, very enthusiastic with each and every single session and very honest and I have enjoyed that.
“To me the biggest part is on the pitch but unfortunately with this lockdown there hasn’t been much football. I take great pride in what we have done.”
Mokwena said he was proud that he was able to establish a partnership with the Nelson Mandela University and of the fact that he had promoted a couple of young players from the MDC side to the first team.
Asked if it was not unfair to have other people decide on his future, the coach said: “It is unfair but I am still a Pirates employee and the club [Chippa] has every right to say they have to talk to Pirates about it.
“I have to respect the fact that I have a contract with Pirates and any form of discussion with regards to my future must be dealt with Orlando Pirates.
“But I have a plan as to what I want to do and the chairman of Chippa United knows what I would love to do and where I would love to be, he knows that.”