ORLANDO Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena wants to make Pirates fans ‘Happy People’ again and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that.
Pirates has been enduring a dry spell for some time as they have gone seven seasons without winning the elusive Absa Premiership title.Pirates last won the league in 2011-12 season and a cup in 2014 when they clinched Nedbank Cup.
Mokwena has admitted that they are under pressure to end the drought, bring back the 'Happy People' days.
Talking during Telkom Knockout press conference at the PSL headquarters in Parktown, Mokwena highlighted the importance of returning the club to their glory days.“Our people deserve to be happy," he said.
"We were once known as the ‘Happy People’ and we would like to be known as the ‘Happy People’ once again."
Mokwena took over the reins at Pirates after a hasty resignation of Milutin Sredojevic early this season.
Since he took over Mokwena has endured a tough start as the caretaker as the Soweto giants are currently lying eighth in the log standings having also been knocked out in the first round of MTN8 and early stages of Caf Champions League.
Mokwena stated: “My grandfather (Eric 'Scara' Sono) died for this club, my uncle, Jomo Sono, left his wedding for this club and who am I to complain when I have to spend sleepless nights? That’s all they ask of me, they ask me to spend sleepless nights to make sure that the club returns to winning ways.”
"As much as I am a man of process, I am prepared to go through the deepest, darkest of gold mines. The most valuable elements in the world, you talk about platinum and gold, diamonds... they’ve all got to go through the process of heat and being cut.
he went on: "I am here to serve. At the end of the day, if it results in Orlando Pirates reclaiming its glory days, I’m prepared to die for that."
The Buccaneers will face PSL newbies Stellenbosch FC in the last-16 round of the TKO on Saturday at Orlando Stadium at 6pm.
Mokwena will be hoping to register his second win in charge of the club in all competitions.
