Notoane roped into Downs first team set-up

David Notoane could have a pivotal role to play at Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Siya crew being informed that he has been given certain duties within the first team.

The Siya crew reported in July last year that Notoane, who also doubles up as the national U23 team coach, had been elevated working closely with then Downs head of technical Jose Ramon Alexanko.

He was to focus on and coordinate the youth structures.

But this was before the major changes at Chloorkop, which saw Pitso Mosimane vacating his post as head coach to join Al Ahly, while Alexanko later resigned to return to Spain due to family commitments.

There were no updates about Notoane from the club, and the Siya crew’s efforts to get clarity were not successful as Sundowns did not respond to requests for a comment.

At the time, Surprise Moriri had already replaced Notoane as the reserve league (Diski Challenge) head coach.

Notoane, however, has remained part of the coaching staff at the cub,wt Syasouces the crew that he was recently asked by Downs co-coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena to look after the players who did not make the trips to the CAF Champions League matches.

With their big squad, Downs needs as many hands on deck as possible and Notoane has been tasked with overseeing the training sessions when Mngqithi and Mokwena are not around.

Downs have won their opening group stage matches in the Champions League and are set to continue their run in the competition, which then suggests Notoane’s role will be a crucial one in the coming weeks.

Indications are that the coach will continue in his capacity as the technical coordinator for the youth teams at Chloorkop.