Former Orlando Pirates assistant/interim coach Rulani Mokwena says he’s not thinking about his long-term future after taking up the role as head coach at relegation-threatened Chippa United until the end of the season.

The 35-year-old has been away from Absa Premiership action over the last few moths after the appointment of Josef Zinnbauer in December. Mokwena was removed from his interim head coach role at the Buccaneers and subsequently went on an educational trip to Europe before returning to the country and helping out sides in the lower divisions of South African football.

The 35-year-old clearly didn’t fancy heading back to Mayfair to work under Zinnbauer after getting a taste of the big job.

The 35-year-old tactician was then appointed as the new coach at Chippa after Norman Mapeza handed in his resignation and Mokwena has been tasked with keeping the Chilli Boys in the Absa Premiership.

‘I took my time and I made the right decision to come to Chippa [United]. There were other offers, but I was waiting for the right project, a short-term situation to try and help a team,’ Mokwena told reporters after his debut game in the 0-0 draw with Bidvest Wits.

Asked if he sees himself at at Chippa United next season, Mokwena added: ‘I’m not even thinking about the long term. I want to focus on the short term and for me, at this moment in time, it is to assist the club to remain in the Absa Premiership. The other things we will see after the season.’

Chippa are currently in 12th position in the Absa Premiership standings, only three points clear of the relegation zone with six games left to play.