Newly-appointed Durban City coach Sinethemba Badela has opened up on his relationship with former colleague Rulani Mokwena.
Badela revealed that he previously played under Mokwena, who later encouraged him to pursue a coaching career.
The pair worked together at amateur side Black Poison in Gauteng before Badela was appointed as Mokwena’s assistant during their short spell at Chippa United.
Their partnership continued at Mamelodi Sundowns, where Badela served as both first-team assistant coach and reserve team coach.
Mokwena later took Badela along to Wydad Casablanca, where he once again worked as an assistant coach.
Badela says Mokwena has played a significant role in shaping his coaching career, describing their relationship as strong and adding that he regularly seeks his advice.
“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.
“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.”