Rulani Mokwena says successful football teams must learn from the chameleon by constantly adapting to opponents, conditions and different playing surfaces.
The South African coach believes tactical flexibility has become increasingly important because relying on one established identity can leave teams vulnerable against different challenges.
Speaking during an Egyptian television interview, Mokwena used the chameleon to explain how he approaches tactical preparation and manages changing circumstances within matches.
“The chameleon is an important model that can be applied to football,” Mokwena explained during the interview.
“It is unique because of its ability to adapt to changes in its environment,” he added while discussing his coaching philosophy.
“In football, we must also adapt to different opponents, conditions and playing surfaces,” the South African tactician further explained.
Mokwena became widely associated with dominant, possession-based football during his successful period at Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.
However, his latest comments suggest that maintaining an identifiable playing philosophy does not necessarily mean applying exactly the same approach every week.
“I love football, and this is how I choose to lead my team. My goal is to enjoy the game,” Mokwena said.
“When I was coaching at Sundowns, we implemented a specific style of play, and at that time, that style was dominating football.”
His thinking has also been influenced by repeated visits to Brazil, where he continues studying the country’s deeply rooted football culture.
Mokwena revealed that he regularly spends time there during the off-season because football maintains a constant presence within Brazilian society.
“I travel to Brazil during the off-season, especially because football there never really stops,” Mokwena explained.
“Brazilians love football, and when the national team plays, everything seems to stop so people can watch the game.”
That curiosity also extends towards technology, with Mokwena embracing modern analytical tools without allowing them to dictate every coaching decision.
He believes scientific data and artificial intelligence can provide valuable information, although understanding players must remain an important responsibility for coaches.
“Modern scientific tools and artificial intelligence make a coach’s job easier, but they cannot replace the human element,” Mokwena said.
The coach offered substitutions as an example of situations where statistical recommendations may sometimes conflict with his personal assessment of a player.
“Sometimes, I choose not to substitute a player at half-time to protect him, even when the data and technology suggest that I should.”
For Mokwena, therefore, adaptability extends beyond formations and tactics because modern coaches must balance information, circumstances and individual player needs.
His chameleon comparison ultimately captures that philosophy: establish strong football principles, but remain flexible enough to survive whatever challenges the game presents.