Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has reacted to the news of Mamelodi Sundowns and Rulani Mokwena parting ways, saying it was the CAF Champions League exit and Nedbank Cup final loss that cost him his job.
Sundowns announced the amicable separation with Mokwena which followed media reports that the coach had differences with Sporting Director Flemming Berg. The 2023/24 DStv Premiership Coach of the Season led the club to a historic seventh consecutive championship, losing just one match and amassed 73 points.
They also clinched the inaugural African Football League under Mokwena’s guidance however exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage and lost the domestic cup final to Orlando Pirates.
The former Kaizer Chiefs winger says it was not living up to expectations in the said competitions coupled with issues with the SD that saw the coach leave.
“There are expectations at Sundowns especially when it comes to the Champions League,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“Even the last trophy that he lost to Pirates is what cost him. I believe the club plays fluid football and the guy was doing well, that’s why the national team picked eight/nine players including on the bench from his team. It means the guy was doing very well.
“I believe the technical director had a problem with Rulani Mokwena because when Rulani was still there they signed players like Zungu. Rulani also kept a player like Sirino because he knew his capabilities.
“I’ll be honest I feel that the technical director had a hand in this but not winning the Champions League and not getting to the final was an issue. I mean they signed the likes of Allende and Ribeiro because they want the Champions League. They spent so much money and only won two trophies.”
You can view Khanye’s full comments on Mokwena on iDiski TV official YouTube channel.
