Lekgwathi: Mokwena wasn't ready for the Pirates job

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes it was premature to give Rhulani Mokwena the head coaching role at the Soweto giants.

There was a general sense of optimism and excitement around the appointment of 35-year-old Mokwena in August last year, and he made a promising start.

However, when results began slipping the Buccaneers opted to make a change, cutting Mokwena's reign short in December, when Josef Zinnbauer took over.

Lekgwathi reckons the Pirates job came just a bit too soon in the young tactician's career.

"The guy [Rhulani] started so well, collecting points and playing beautiful football," said Lekgwathi, as quoted by Daily Sun.

"They then became sluggish and started donating points to other teams. The chairman identified the problem and changed the coach."

He added: "Rhulani is a good coach but with his experience, it was too soon for him to become head coach of Orlando Pirates. They gave him a chance to prove himself. He went to Chippa United and the chairman brought in a new coach,"

"You don't become a good coach overnight. It takes years and experience to be the best but he still has age on his side and will grow. Other senior coaches have been in the game for more than 20 years and they are very experienced.

"Rhulani must focus on his ability and how he can always improve himself."

- TEAMtalk media