Sundowns shows coach Rhulani the exit door

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The reigning DStv Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the departure of head coach Rhulani Mokwena.

The 37-year-old mentor guided the Brazilians to their seventh successive league title with a record twenty-nine matches unbeaten run and won the league with six games to go.

The separation which the club said was amicable, gained momentum following news reports of a fallout on Tuesday.

According to SABC Sport, at the centre of this shocking development at Chloorkop is the broken working relationship between the coach and sporting director Flemming Berg.

Mokwena’s imminent departure was further fuelled by his absentia on Monday when the first group of players returned to Chloorkop for medicals.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the club expressed its gratitude to Mokwena for his contribution to the successes and achievements of the club during his tenure as head coach.

“Rhulani Mokwena 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,” the statement read.

Mngqithi to take over following Rhulani exit

Sundowns highlighted that is deeply committed to the development and growth of South African coaches and players.

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It further said 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 will be jetting off to Austria for the pre-season tour where they will face Saudi Pro league champions Al Hilal and will be one of four teams representing the African Continent in the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025.