Mamelodi Sundowns utility man Thaphelo Morena says the return of Rhulani Mokwena to Chloorkop comes as a ‘big boost’ to the team.

The young tactician left his role as Pitso Mosimane’s assistant in 2017 to join the Orlando Pirates technical team after reaching the pinnacle of African football by winning the Caf Champions League in 2016.

His time at Pirates was filled with ups and downs as Mokwena helped Milutin Sredojevic guide the Sea Robbers to successive second-place finishes in the league.

Mokwena was then asked to step into the caretaker head-coach role following the shock departure of Micho, but after failing to find consistency the club brought in Josef Zinnbauer from Germany and Rhulani’s time at the club was effectively ending.

He then had a short spell as Chippa United’s head coach, on loan from Pirates, but following the expiration of his Pirates contract he left Chippa and has since rejoined his former team.

Speaking on the young coach’s return, Morena admitted it was as though he had never left.

‘It’s a big boost to the team,’ said Morena on Mokwena’s return.

‘We know how he works and we know what he’s willing to do for the team. So, for me, I’m really happy and all in all we’re just going to give him all the support.

‘We’ll welcome him as if he never left the club.’

Morena added that Mokwena would also play a significant role in helping Sundowns achieve the treble this season if the league resumes as expected in the coming weeks.

‘I think for us it’s just to play each and every game the way it comes and make sure that we collect maximum points and we’ll see at the end of the season what’s going to happen,’ he concluded.