From player to protégé: Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela reflects on Rulani Mokwena influence

Newly appointed Durban City head coach Sinethemba Badela has opened up on the role Rulani Mokwena played in shaping his coaching career.

Badela, who recently took charge at the Betway Premiership newcomers, revealed that his relationship with Mokwena stretches back to his playing days.

The Durban City coach explained that he once played under Mokwena before being encouraged to transition into coaching.

Their professional paths later crossed again at amateur side Black Poison in Gauteng, where the foundations of their working relationship were laid.

Badela was then appointed as Mokwena’s assistant during their brief stint together at Chippa United, marking his first exposure to top-flight coaching structures.

That partnership continued at Mamelodi Sundowns, where Badela served as both first-team assistant coach and reserve team coach during a period of transition at the Tshwane giants.

Mokwena’s trust in Badela extended beyond South Africa, with the former Sundowns mentor later taking him along to Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca.

Once again, Badela worked as an assistant coach, gaining valuable international experience in a high-pressure environment.

The newly appointed City mentor says Mokwena has had a profound influence on his growth, both professionally and personally.

“We have a very good relationship with coach Rulani, he helped me so much in my coaching journey and my career,” Badela told Victor Molefe on Prime Time Sports on UKhozi FM.

“I played under his guidance a bit but he then encouraged me to get into coaching. He helps me all the time.”

Badela described Mokwena as someone he consistently turns to for advice, highlighting the level of trust between the two.

“Anytime when I want to speak to someone, I speak to him. He helps me a lot, so he’s someone that is very close to me.”

The Durban City appointment marks a significant milestone in Badela’s career, as he steps into a head coaching role at senior level.

Having worked under Mokwena across different environments — from grassroots football to elite continental competition — Badela now carries those lessons into his own leadership journey.

Durban City, newly promoted to the Betway Premiership, will rely on Badela’s experience and calm authority as they look to establish themselves at the highest level.

While his focus is now firmly on the task ahead, Badela’s reflections underline the importance of mentorship in South African football.

For the Durban City coach, the influence of Mokwena remains a guiding force as he begins the next chapter of his career.