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News

It’s a sad situation, but I’m grateful: Mokwena

todayJuly 4, 2024 142

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Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena, says he never envisioned that he could part ways with the club in such a way.

South African football fans across the country are still reeling from shock over the news of Mokwena parting ways with Sundowns, despite a successful season.

The coach of the season recently led Masandawana to their 7th consecutive DStv Premiership league triumph, while also securing the African Football League.

But it appears that behind-the-scenes tensions with sporting director Flemming Berg has led to a mutual parting of ways, just a season into his four-year contract.

The club has, however, denied this notion in a statement.

“The decision of Mamelodi Sundowns was taken by the Board taking into account the objectives and expectations of the Club and was not influenced or based on the recommendation of any individual associated with the Club,” it says.

Falling short in the Caf Champions League ultimately cost him his job with the Brazilians.

He, however, says he didn’t want to leave the team.

There were talks of Mokwena potentially leaving the Tshwane based club after which Masandawana released a statement yesterday afternoon confirming a mutual parting of the ways.

It took many fans by surprise, especially considering the manner in which he had addressed recent questions about his future at the club during an interview on a Moroccan podcast, L’Vestiaire, two weeks ago.

In a letter he put on his X account, Mokwena says even though this situation leaves him with a heavy heart, he’s still grateful for the opportunities he has so far received.

“What I’m accepting is that at 37, I’ve coached two of the biggest teams (Orlando Pirates and Sundowns) in South African football. I’ve won, as a head coach, seven trophies already at 37. I’ve won four league titles, coach of the season three times. I leave with a record that says 91 games played, 60 games won, nine lost and 11 draws. When I look at that, I’m extremely proud,” he said.

The 37-year-old was appointed Sundowns’ co-coach in 2020, following the departure of Pitso Mosimane. He became the team’s head coach in 2022.

In what has now appeared to be his final campaign as the Brazilians coach, the club won the league by getting a record number of points in the 30-game DStv Premiership, collecting 73 points.

They also finished 23 points ahead of Orlando Pirates.

Their one loss to Cape Town City also snapped a 53-game unbeaten streak in the league for Sundowns.

Mokwena won the DStv Premiership for the third time in a row and also won the Coach of the Season Award also for three consecutive times.

Sundowns will now be led by Manqoba Mngqithi as they prepare to go into pre-season and a potentially significant campaign at the club.

Fans have been expressing their sadness to the news.

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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