Downs to secure Mokwena’s future?
Not long after Mamelodi Sundowns announced a restructure of the club’s technical team by making Rhulani Mokwena the sole head coach, the Siya crew has been led to believe the club could look to secure his future.
Downs reversed the co-coaching model that had been in effect since October 2020, when Mokwena was appointed in the role jointly with Manqoba Mngqithi to replace Pitso Mosimane, who had quit to join Al Ahly.
The two were able to retain the DStv Premiership title and repeated the feat again last season, while also adding both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.
But as reported by Soccer Laduma in September last year, there was friction between the two following an incident at training that was later confirmed by Mokwena, though he did reveal Mngqithi had apologised.
With that chapter closed, Downs are now thought to have started discussions with the young tactician about a new contract.
Mokwena returned to Chloorkop in July 2020, having spent three years away at Orlando Pirates and – briefly – at Chippa United, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal that runs until the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
According to sources, Mokwena enjoys the support of sporting director Flemming Berg and it was the Danish who spoke to the media to clarify the changes that were made following their defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-finals last month.
It remains to be seen whether these initial talks will give Mokwena carte blanche to decide who he wants working closely with him going forward, especially with talk that AmaZulu FC were keen on Mngqithi before appointing Romain Folz.