Rulani Mokwena Expected to Part Ways with Mamelodi Sundowns
Jane Molepo 
Mamelodi Sundowns are reportedly set to part ways with their head coach, Rulani Mokwena, according to a recent article by SABC Sport. This development comes as a shock to many, given Mokwena's success in guiding the team to their seventh consecutive Premier Soccer League (PSL) title.
The 37-year-old Mokwena was named Coach of the Season after the 2023/24 campaign, during which he led Sundowns to victory in the DStv Premiership. Despite this domestic success, he faced criticism for failing to secure the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. These shortcomings have contributed to the current uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
SABC Sport has it on good authority that Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rulani Mokwena are in talks to cut ties just 12 months after agreeing a four-year contract. The final and official decision is yet to be made following tense discussions, but the probability Mokwena will step down is high, the publication reported.
Sources indicate that a key factor in this potential separation is a fractured working relationship between Mokwena and the club's sporting director, Flemming Berg. Berg, who has a background as a talent development manager for the Danish FA and an international scout for Chelsea, joined Sundowns in April 2022. At the time, Mokwena was co-coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi.
The strained relationship between Mokwena and Berg has reportedly created a challenging environment at Chloorkop, leading to the current discussions about a possible departure. Despite Mokwena signing a contract extension earlier this year, which would keep him at the club until 2028, the ongoing tensions seem to have overshadowed his recent achievements.
If Mokwena does leave Mamelodi Sundowns, it will mark a significant shift for the club. His tenure, though marked by impressive domestic success, has also been characterized by high expectations and the pressure to perform on multiple fronts. The club's management will need to navigate these changes carefully to maintain their dominance in South African football and achieve their continental ambitions.
The football community is now waiting with bated breath for the official announcement, which will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future direction of Mamelodi Sundowns. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the club addresses this potential upheaval and who might step in to fill the void left by Mokwena.
As the situation develops, the focus will remain on Chloorkop, where the decisions made in the coming days will shape the club's strategy and aspirations for the seasons ahead.
