Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena’s exit was a huge loss to the players on a personal and professional level, according to defender Grant Kekana.
The 2023/24 PSL Defender of the Season was one of Mokwena’s close ‘sons’ during his time at Chloorkop before his unceremonious exit that saw him join Moroccan Botola Pro League side Wydad Athletic Club on a three-year deal.
Kekana, 31, has been one of the Sundowns’ most outstanding and consistent players over the past few seasons, and has simultaneously played a huge role in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad aiding them to a bronze medal spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’ivoire.
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In his candid interview with Andile Ncube on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, the Polokwane-born right-back is also hoping to face his former mentor in continental football this coming term.
“It was tough you know [Mokwena’s exit],” Kekana told Ncube on Sports Night Amplified.
“Like I kept telling you, we had a bond outside of just football you know and he’s helped me a lot. Especially in my personal life, how I look at things you know.
“It was a huge loss [Rulani leaving] but we understand it’s also a part of football you know. As much as players come and go, so do coaches.
“The connection is still there but one can only wish him well because he’s done so much for me and the team. So we can only wish him well and yeah we can’t wait to meet with him be it in the CAF or AFL,” he added.
Sundowns’ first competitive action of the 2024/25 campaign sees them welcome Polokwane City to the Lucas Moripe Stadium in an MTN8 quarter-final fixture on Sunday, August 11.
