Three PSL trophies in successive years sounds like the foundation of a prolonged and prosperous relationship – that wasn’t the case for Rulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Not even Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed such an illustrious start to his Manchester United career; with no major trophies in his first four years, he was on the brink of being fired before winning the 1990 FA Cup.
But this isn’t the Scotsman story; this is a tale about a 37-year-old serial winner who led the Brazilians to new heights, only to leave months after winning his third PSL in a row.
Both parties have failed to offer substantial insight into the matter, lethargically labelling it as ‘parting ways’.
Rhulani Mokwena’s time at Sundowns
Following a two-year managerial stint at Chippa United, Mokwena joined Sundowns’ as a co-coach with current gaffer Manqoba Mngqithi before solely taking over in October 2022.
He went on to claim back-to-back titles, and then suddenly, he was gone.
Fans nationwide were shocked by his departure, which was later hushed over by the result of ‘a broken working relationship’.
Who knows what legacy he would have created if he had stayed; all we know is that he came, he saw, and he conquered—onwards to Wydad Casablanca.
Mokwena’s reaction to leaving Sundowns
“I didn’t want to leave. I have to make that clear. But I think my hand was forced”, Mokwena told Robert Marawa on MSW.
“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.
“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”, he continued.
“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.
“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.”
Do you think it was the right move for Rulani Mokwena?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
