Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the exit of head coach Rulani Mokwena, in news that sent shockwaves through the South African football fraternity.
Mokwena had been in charge as sole head coach at Masandawana since a reshuffle in October 2022.
However, today, Sundowns confirmed that they have parted ways with Mokwena, who still had three years left on a new four-year deal, as previously reported by iDiski Times.
“Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena amicably concluded an agreement bringing to an end Rhulani Mokwena’s employment as Head Coach,” the club stated.
“Sundowns wishes to express its gratitude to Rhulani 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.”
Overall, he oversaw 91 matches as head coach, losing just nine, while winning 60. This past season, Sundowns were just one game away from completing an Invincibles campaign before losing on the final day of the campaign.
They did secure their seventh successive DStv Premiership title and also won the inaugural African Football League. However, they lost two Cup finals, the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, to Orlando Pirates while being knocked out of the CAF Champions League by ES Tunis in the semi-final.
On a personal level, Mokwena was named DStv Premiership Coach of the Season, after winning three Coach of the Month awards in 2023/24, while also being named COSAFA Coach of the Year.
