Mokwena and Barker named Coaches of the Month in Egypt and Tanzania

Rulani Mokwena and Steve Barker have each been named Coach of the Month for October, according to iDiski Times. Both coaches lead clubs that have won every league match so far this season.

Mokwena’s perfect run in Egypt

Mokwena, who previously coached Mamelodi Sundowns, is now head coach of Egyptian side Pyramids. He has won all 14 games he has taken charge of at the club, and eight of those were in the Egyptian Premier League.

Pyramids are the only team in the league with a 100% start. This is the second month in a row that Mokwena has been recognised, which makes it back-to-back monthly awards for him.

The EPFA said he was the only manager to reach that standard, pointing to “an outstanding record of 8 wins from 8 league matches”.

Barker honoured in Tanzania

Barker, who is at Simba SC, was named Coach of the Month by the NPA Premier League in Tanzania. Like Pyramids, his side have a perfect record, having won all 10 of their league matches in the new season.

Three of those wins came in October:

• a 2-1 victory over Young Africans in the Karikoo Derby
• a 6-1 win over Mashujaa FC
• a 1-0 win away to Fountain Gate

Across those three matches, Simba scored nine goals and conceded two. That return was enough for Barker to secure the monthly award.

What it means for local fans

Mokwena remains a familiar name to South African football followers from his time at Sundowns, so his results in Egypt are likely to be watched closely at home. Both coaches now have to keep their winning starts going, with Pyramids and Simba SC each still having a 100% record to defend in their leagues.

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.