The 2023 AFL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the departure of the club’s head coach. In the hottest pre-season stories of recent times, Sundowns have parted ways with Rulani Mokwena.
“Sundowns wishes to express its gratitude to Rulani Mokwena for his contribution to the successes and achievements of the club during his tenure as head coach. Rulani Mokwena will forever be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns family and the club wishes him all of the very best with his future endeavours,” read part of the statement released by Sundowns on Wednesday afternoon.
The club has played down reports that Mokwena’s departure was largely down to Sporting Director Flemming Berg. It has been widely reported that Berg and Mokwena had a frosty relationship, and this led to Mokwena leaving a job that earned him over R7 million last season.
“The decision of Mamelodi Sundowns was taken by the Board taking into account objectives and expectations of the club and was not influenced or based on the recommendation of any individual associated with the club,” says the club statement.
Mokwena led Sundowns to a record-breaking seventh league title and the African Football League trophy. According to the fine print in the club’s statement, these two trophies and two domestic finals fell short of the targets set. Good luck to whoever takes over if 9 losses in 91 games is not good enough.
While speculation on who will eventually take over at Chloorkop rages on, Manqoba Mngqithi will be in charge of the ambitious club. It is no secret that Mamelodi Sundowns want to dominate Africa, therefore the Champions League is the primary target for any coach wanting to be in the hot seat.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is preparing and focusing on competing in all the upcoming competitions and is honoured to be one of the four Football Clubs representing the African continent in the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025,” the statement concluded.