Mamelodi Sundowns are set to represent South Africa on the global stage at the next year's revamped FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place between June and July in the United States. This prestigious tournament will see the participation of 32 elite teams from around the world, including football giants such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Al Ahly SC, Chelsea, FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Palmeiras, and Al-Hilal, among others. Under Mokwena's guidance, Sundowns have recently clinched the league title in a record-breaking, unbeaten fashion, further cementing his reputation as a formidable coach by earning the Cosafa Coach of the Year award.
“Yes, I’m very excited and do you know what excites me even more? Meeting Pep Guardiola (laughs),” Mokwena shared with the SABC News channel, highlighting his anticipation for the tournament and the opportunity to meet one of his coaching heroes. Mokwena's coaching influences extend beyond Guardiola to include other footballing greats like Carlo Ancelotti. He admires Ancelotti's resilience and adaptability in the face of the sport's inherent challenges.
Reflecting on Ancelotti's journey, Mokwena noted, “I am always trying to understand and learn especially from some of the best coaches in the world – the other day I was listening to Carlo Ancelotti’s interview,” Mokwena said. “I think he is going to his fifth Champions League final and he has won league titles everywhere, but he has had his ups and downs..