I’ll get in trouble for revealing why I was forced to leave: Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena

Johannesburg – In an exclusive interview with renowned sports presenter Robert Marawa on Wednesday, former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena shed light on his unexpected departure from the club, unveiling a web of secrecy and leaving fans and pundits alike in a state of bewilderment.

“I didn’t want to leave. I have to make that clear. But I think my hand was forced,” the 37-year-old coach, who rose through the ranks at Sundowns, stated.

However, a confidentiality clause, a common feature in many coaching contracts, prevents him from revealing the full story behind his departure.

“There are a lot of things I can’t talk about because I’ve signed a confidentiality clause that prohibits me from speaking about some of the details. I hope you understand there are things I cannot disclose because if I do, I’ll get into a lot of trouble,” Mokwena explained.

The silence surrounding the reasons for his exit has fuelled speculation, with reports suggesting a breakdown in the relationship between Mokwena and Sundowns sporting director, Flemming Berg. However, the club vehemently denied these claims in their official statement.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his departure, one thing is clear: Mokwena leaves Sundowns with a legacy of success. He guided the team to a record-breaking seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title, a feat that cemented their dominance in South African football.

“It makes no sense to me. But, there are a lot of things in life that don’t make sense, but you just have to accept,” Mokwena said, reflecting on the club’s decision.

“I’m blessed with enough wisdom to comprehend some of the things like this. Sometimes in football some strange things happen. But that’s the game,” he added.

Mokwena’s achievements are undeniable. He has already won seven trophies as a head coach, including four league titles, and was named Coach of the Season three times.

“What I’m accepting is that at 37, I’ve coached two of the biggest teams 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,” Mokwena proudly asserted.

“When I look at that, I’m extremely proud. Proud of the Sundowns players because I am crazy. I don’t know how they coped with me. I come with these crazy ideas and they breathed life into my ideas.”

The Unanswered Questions

The departure of Mokwena leaves a gaping hole in the Sundowns coaching setup. While the club is known for its meticulous planning and succession strategies, the suddenness of Mokwena’s departure has thrown the club’s plans into disarray.

The questions surrounding the reasons for his exit continue to linger. Was there a breakdown in communication or a clash of philosophies? Was there a power struggle between Mokwena and the club’s management?

The silence surrounding these questions only fuels speculation and raises concerns about the club’s internal dynamics.

Hard times seriously hit ex-Orlando Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns star Thamsanqa Sangweni

Life is really showing former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns player Thamsanqa Sangweni flames and he regrets being ill-disciplined and is asking for forgiveness.

The KwaZulu-Natal-born midfielder, who is the brother of former Bucs star Siyabonga “Ntsimbi” Sangweni, took to social media to plead with the South African football clubs and coaches to give him a second chance.

“To every PSL team and coach, I’d like to take this opportunity to ask for your help to get another chance. I’m still active.

“I made a lot of mistakes along the way in my career, and I learned the hard way. The mistakes that made me lose my job, the mistakes that made no one want to have me on their teams. I blame only myself because I’m the one who messed up everything.

“I am here asking for forgiveness and the chance to play football again. Football is my life, it is the only thing that I know and I want to do,” Sangweni wrote.

His last Premier Soccer League (PSL) stint was in the 2019/2020 season for KZN side Maritzburg United – the club was relegated to the ABC Motsepe League last season. In February 2022, Sangweni signed with Eastern Cape-based side, BCM Stars, and later joined its provincial rival, Peacemakers FC, in December.

The 34-year-old further said that he has lost everything that he loved.

“I was selfish because I ended up losing everything that I love. I am no longer that person, those mistakes made me a better man and they made me realise what it means to be a professional footballer,” he said.

According to a source who spoke to Zimoja, Sangweni’s car was repossesed.

“He is very humble now, the girlfriends that he used to have are no longer there and the maroon BMW X6 was repossessed,” said the source.

Sangweni is back at home in kwaMthethwa Village outside Empangeni in KZN.

Mamelodi Sundowns mourn the death of Alex Shakoane

Mamelodi Sundowns management and players are mourning the death of the club’s long-serving communications manager and staunch supporter Alex Shakoane. He passed away on Sunday at the age of 67.

Sundowns say in a statement that Shakoane loved Mamelodi Sundowns deeply and was a loyal soccer fan in Mamelodi, Tshwane and the whole of South Africa.

The Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, Tlhopie Motsepe says, “The Motsepe family, the Board, the Supporters and all the members of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family mourn and are deeply saddened by the passing of Alex” Goldfinger” Shakoane whom we all loved dearly. Bra Alex’s life was all about Mamelodi Sundowns and we will miss his unique contributions and larger-than-life personality.”

They say their thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Shakoane and all Masandawana. Details of the memorial and funeral services will be announced soon.

Mamelodi Sundowns demote head coach Manqoba Mngqithi and promote Steve Komphela

In a shock move, Mamelodi Sundowns have demoted one of their two co-head coaches, the experienced Manqoba Mngqithi, to the role of “senior coach”.

Downs announced the unexpected decision on Monday. The reshuffle of their technical team leaves Rulani Mokwena as the head coach of the Brazilians and Steve Komphela is promoted from the role of senior coach to “first team coach”, the club said.

Mngqithi takes over Komphela’s previous role of senior coach.

“Mamelodi Sundowns announced today the restructuring of its technical team and the changes in the responsibilities and employment positions of its coaches: Manqoba Mngqithi, Rulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela,” Sundowns said.

“These changes were necessitated by the poor performances and unconvincing victories that the club has experienced for quite some time.

“Mamelodi Sundowns has a clear objective of becoming one of the most successful football clubs in Africa and its recent average and lacklustre performances are contrary to this objective.

“Rulani Mokwena will take over the responsibility of head coach at Sundowns, Steve Komphela will be promoted to first team coach and Manqoba Mngqithi will be the senior coach, which is the position previously occupied by Steve Komphela.

“The goalkeeper coach, Wendell Robinson, will stay in his current position.

“These changes are with immediate effect.”

The seemingly abrupt move by Sundowns follows the club’s exit at the MTN8 semifinal stage with their 3-0 second leg defeat to Orlando Pirates in Polokwane on Sunday. That result left the aggregate scoreline also 3-0 after a goalless first leg at Orlando Stadium.

However, Mngqithi’s demotion comes as a major surprise as he has been part of the co-coaching trophy machine with Mokwena — and Komphela as senior coach — that saw Downs sweep all three domestic trophies last season, and wrap up a record fifth DStv Premiership title in succession.

The Brazilians top the league in 2022-23 with seven wins, a draw and two defeats from 10 matches.

Sundowns have won six, drawn one and lost one of their last eight games in all competitions, including progressing past La Passe of Seychelles 15-1 on aggregate over two legs in the Caf Champions League second round to reach the group stage.

Downs bowed out of last season’s Champions League in the quarterfinals with a surprise 3-2 aggregate defeat to Angolan side Petro de Luanda.

The Champions League is the competition the club owned by Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe covets most, seeking to add a second title to their 2016 triumph under Pitso Mosimane.

recommended by

MAGIC RED
Egyptian Gaming Service Manager Fired After A $700,000 Mistake
LEARN MORE
The trio of Mngqithi, Mokwena and Komphela succeeded hugely successful Pitso Mosimane when he left to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly in late September 2020.

The reshuffle comes a day before Downs’ Premiership fixture against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday night (7.30pm).