Mamelodi Sundowns Set to Part Ways with Head Coach Rulani Mokwena Amid Disagreements

Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African football club, is on the verge of parting ways with their head coach, Rulani Mokwena, following reported disagreements within the team’s management.

The 37-year-old tactician did not join the team for pre-season training, which began earlier this week, indicating a potential rift with the club. Manqoba Mngqithi, currently serving as a senior coach, oversaw the initial training sessions in Mokwena’s absence.

Sources suggest that tensions have been brewing for some time between Mokwena and the Sporting Director, Flemming Berg, highlighting a strained working relationship.

According to insider reports on Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that Mokwena will no longer be working with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rulani Mokwena’s impending departure comes as a surprise given his strong performance last season and the support he had from the management.

During his tenure, Mokwena came close to achieving an invincible season with Sundowns, narrowly missing out after a defeat to Orlando Pirates on the final day.

However, he led the team to set a new record in the league by amassing 73 points, overtaking the previous record of 71 points set by Pitso Mosimane in 2016.

Under Mokwena’s guidance, Sundowns also clinched the African Football League title, triumphing over powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in the final.

Additionally, he played a crucial role in securing Sundowns’ qualification for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to be held in the USA in June next year.

This marks Rulani Mokwena’s second stint at Sundowns, having previously served as an assistant coach under Mosimane from 2014 to 2017.

After a brief spell at Orlando Pirates, Mokwena rejoined Sundowns in 2020 as an assistant coach before being promoted to head coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi in 2022 following Mosimane’s departure.

The departure of Mokwena from Sundowns signals a significant shake-up in the management structure of the club.