https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/10055/830f32c32ef347a8a3331d579d88d19c.jpg
Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Rulani Mokwena during the Orlando Pirates press conference at PSL Offices on October 17, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Mpengesi has long-term plans for Mokwena

Absa Premiership side Chippa United are hopeful of keeping coach Rulani Mokwena beyond his current loan spell at the club.

The 33-year-old Chilli Boys boss is on a season-long deal from Orlando Pirates.

Chippa boss Siviwe Mpengesi is known for his rapid hire and fire technique when it comes to his coaching staff, although he is seemingly keen to settle down with Mokwena.

Speaking to IOL, Mpengesi explained: "We have our ambitious coach here, Rulani. He is already planning for next season."

The club entered the enforced break as a result of the coronavirus in 12th place on the Premier Soccer League standings, just six points from the bottom.

Mpengesi continued: "We only need six points to run away from relegation. Rulani is a high profile coach. Most players wants to follow him. We are blessed to have a coach like him. Surely we are keeping him for long term."

The Chilli Boys owner added that he is close to completing the deal to retain the services of the ambitious young coach for the long-term.

"I can say 99% is done. He has confirmed with me that he wants to be here. He wants to stay. He knows exactly what is a problem at Chippa United and why we are not winning trophies.

"He will rather stay here at Chippa United as the head coach than go and coach somewhere else because Chippa United is for him and he sees a future here. We've already started not even negotiations actually.

"In principle, we've agreed that he is staying. We are finalising now, we are doing the last details of the contract. I've spoken to his manager. He likes the club. His role model is Pitso Mosimane (of Mamelodi Sundowns). When Mosimane joined Sundowns, they were not stable but turned Sundowns around and that is exactly what he wants to do at Chippa."

- TEAMtalk media