Enquiries pouring in for Mokwena, again…
Word reaching the Siya crew is that Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena is a man in demand in North Africa – yet again.
It’s not the first time the young tactician is being wooed by his counterparts in Egypt and Morocco on the back of good performances there, with Mokwena’s agent having confirmed earlier this year that his client had received offers.
But at the time, Steve Kapelushnick insisted the focus was on working to get the coach a new contract extension at Chloorkop, which was subsequently announced as a four-year deal prior to the start of the 2023/24 season.
The agent was quoted by SABC Sport saying, “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I’ve had inquiries from Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, and even locally [the Premier Soccer League]. It is my job to inform my client, but coach Rhulani has made it clear he wants to be at Sundowns,” Kapelushnick explained, in part.
Now, seven months since those remarks as well as a spanking new deal for Mokwena at the Tshwane giants, there’s indications from North Africa that the coach has received advances, although they are unlikely to materialise.
This is on the back of the Brazilians reaching the final of the inaugural African Football League following notable wins over Petro de Luanda of Angola and Egyptian giants Al Ahly – both games played over two legs.
Sundowns are this week preparing to host Wydad Casablanca at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday afternoon for their home fixture after losing 2-1 in Morocco last weekend. But for anything to be discussed, any potential suitor would have to pay out Mokwena’s contract if the coach is willing to jump ship.