Rhulani Mokwena has left his role as coach of Mamelodi Sundowns by mutual consent, the club confirmed on Tuesday in a major shock in local football circles.
Mokwena, who of the reigning PSL Coach of the Year, led Sundowns to the league title last season with a record points haul, and lifted the lucrative African Football League.
But it appears that behind-the-scenes tensions with sporting director Flemming Berg has led to a mutual parting of ways just a season into his four-year contract.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena Agree to Part Ways
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 3, 2024
Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena amicably concluded an agreement bringing to an end Rhulani Mokwena’s employment as Head Coach.
Sundowns wishes to express its gratitude to Rhulani Mokwena for his contribution to… pic.twitter.com/U1pEnN7Bd4
“Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena amicably concluded an agreement bringing to an end his employment as Head Coach,” Sundowns said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Sundowns wishes to express its gratitude to Mokwena for his contribution to the successes and achievements of the club during his tenure as Head Coach. He will forever be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns family and the club wishes him all of the very best with his future endeavours.
“The decision of Mamelodi Sundowns was taken by the board taking into account the objectives and expectations of the club and was not influenced or based on the recommendation of any individual associated with the club.
“Sundowns is deeply committed to the development and growth of South African coaches and players. Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team will continue to lead and take control of the training and preparation of the players for the upcoming season.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is preparing and focusing on competing in all the upcoming competitions and is honoured to be one of four football clubs representing the African continent in the historic Fifa Club World Cup 2025.”
Mokwena has lifted the DStv Premiership title for the last four seasons in a row, two as co-coach with current assists Manqoba Mngqithi, and two as the sole leader in the dug-out.
🏆 1️⃣4️⃣ 𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙋𝙎𝙇 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎, 7️⃣ 𝙄𝙉 𝘼 𝙍𝙊𝙒🏆
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) May 25, 2024
The Brazilians make more South African Footballing History, claiming another domestic league title! 🏆🥇#Sundowns #DStvPrem pic.twitter.com/GNZ8i6nvWO
But it has been an inability to reach the final of the CAF Champions League that had put him, by his own admission, under some pressure in his position.
He claimed 60 wins in 91 games across all competitions while in sole charge, losing just nine of those, and also won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, both as co-coach with Mngqithi.
What the future holds for Mokwena remains to be seen. He is a former head coach of Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.
Rhulani Mokwena's time at Mamelodi Sundowns was personified by sheer dominance and brilliance.
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 3, 2024
We look at the numbers behind his stint with the Brazilians 👇