The Top 5 PSL Coaches from Gauteng

Gauteng continues to stand tall as the epicentre of South African football, not only for its iconic clubs but also for the influential coaches it produces. As the 2024/25 season concluded, the spotlight was firmly on five homegrown coaching masterminds whose leadership shaped the modern game. These tacticians, born and bred in our country’s football capital, have made lasting contributions both on and off the pitch.

Here are the five most impactful PSL coaches from Gauteng, including a mix of seasoned legends and dynamic new-era thinkers, who are defining success in South African football.

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1. Cavin Johnson – The Youth Mentor with a Vision

Born in Johannesburg on 11 November 1958, Cavin Johnson remains a respected figure in South African football. While he may no longer be at the helm of a PSL club in 2025, his legacy is deeply etched into the game’s foundation – particularly in youth development.

Johnson’s journey has included stints at Platinum Stars, SuperSport United, AmaZulu, and, most recently, as interim head coach at Kaizer Chiefs during a turbulent 2023/24 campaign. Despite Chiefs finishing a disappointing 10th, Johnson’s contribution to nurturing young talent, including unearthing Steven Pienaar at the School of Excellence, has earned him legendary status in local football circles.

2. Arthur Zwanem – From Club Icon to Usuthu’s New Hope

Soweto-born Arthur Zwane, affectionately known as “10111,” is deeply embedded in the Kaizer Chiefs DNA. After spending his entire playing career at Amakhosi and later transitioning into coaching roles, Zwane became head coach in 2022, bringing stability and structure to a side in flux.

Now, in 2024/25, Zwane has taken on a fresh challenge at AmaZulu, where he’s co-leading the technical team with Vusumuzi Vilakazi. His knowledge of development structures and tactical patience has made him a beacon for transformation and consistency, exactly what Usuthu need as they chase top-eight success.

3. Pitso Mosimane – The Mastermind with a Continental Crown

No list of influential Gauteng-born coaches is complete without the legendary Pitso Mosimane. Born in Kagiso in 1964, “Jingles” has built a global profile through unmatched success with Mamelodi Sundowns and Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

From multiple PSL titles to CAF Champions League triumphs, Mosimane’s accolades speak volumes. Now playing his trade with Iranian club Esteghlal, he remains a proud ambassador of South African football abroad. His legacy still resonates in the PSL, especially through the coaches he mentored, like Rulani Mokwena.

4. Rulani Mokwena – The Modern Innovator on the Rise

Johannesburg-born Rulani Mokwena, only 37 years old, is redefining what it means to be a modern coach. His recent tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns was marked by unprecedented dominance, including three consecutive league titles and the prestigious African Football League crown in 2023.

Although Mokwena parted ways with Sundowns in mid-2024, his journey continues overseas. After a brief spell at Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, he has now been appointed head coach at Algerian champions MC Alger. His data-driven methods, intense analysis, and tactical evolution have made him one of the continent’s most exciting young minds.

5. Eric Tinkler – The Warrior with Continental Credentials

Born in Roodepoort in 1970, Eric Tinkler has quietly forged a reputation as one of the most consistent tacticians in the country. From taking Orlando Pirates to a CAF Confederation Cup final in 2015 to guiding Cape Town City to a Telkom Knockout Cup win in 2023, Tinkler has proven his ability to compete both domestically and on the continent.

Though he parted ways with Cape Town City late in 2024, Tinkler’s adaptability and tactical know-how keep him in demand. Expect his name to return to the touchline sooner rather than later.

Still Setting the Standard

The influence of these five Gauteng-born coaches goes beyond trophies and touchlines. Their philosophies have shaped club cultures, revitalised youth systems, and elevated South African football’s credibility on the continental stage. Whether in the PSL or abroad, their contributions remind us that our country has no shortage of top-tier coaching talent.

As new names emerge and the league continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Gauteng continues to produce the strategic minds that power South African football forward.

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