Rulani Mokwena Responds to More Technical Team Changes

Rulani Mokwena on the bench alongside Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has responded to rumours that recent technical changes might affect the roles of first team coach Steve Komphela and senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

Last week, strength and conditioning coach Riedoh Berdien together with Marcus Mashilo who is the assistant goalkeeper coach left the Sundowns camp that was held in Limpopo and returned back to Chloorkop. It’s still unknown why both coaches left the Downs camp. Both Berdien and Mashilo are waiting for the verdict of whether they will be released by the club or giving new roles within the clubs technical departments.

Previously, Mokwena had addressed the media saying: “There will be even more changes” which led to the questions of Manqoba Mngqithi possibly leaving the club. Mngqithi’s contract with Sundowns expires in June 2023 and the experienced coach has attracted major interest from clubs in KZN.

However, Mokwena has now denied claims that there will be more technical team change that could impact on  the roles of Komphela and Mngqithi. In fact, he claims he’s satisfied with the contributions of the entire technical team.

“We are very happy with the contributions of the entire technical team. When I said that it is only normal, it is only normal. Graham Potter joins Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel leaves and there were changes in the rest of the technical team. It’s normal.

“The previous coach of Mamelodi Sundowns left and went to a different club and there were changes and technical changes.

“It is only normal; this thing is blown out of proportion because it happens in football regularly. Maybe during the periods where there is not a lot to talk about from a football perspective, these things get made bigger than what they are. That’s the only thing I can say with regards to that.

“The club is very happy with everyone, from coach Steve to coach Manqoba to coach Wendell [Robinson], to Sbu [Sibusiso Mahlangu], who is the physical trainer, to the analysts and at the end of the day it’s the club that decides.

In October 2022, Mamelodi Sundowns management made technical changes where Rulani Mokwena became the head coach of the club while Steve Komphela was promoted to become the First Team Coach and Manqoba Mngqithi was demoted to Senior Coach position.

Also Read: Jose Riveiro Refuses To Talk About Lorch’s Absence

Rulani Mokwena on the bench alongside Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi, more changes to come?
Rulani Mokwena on the bench alongside Steve Komphela and Manqoba Mngqithi