Snl24 | Rulani gone, Manqoba to stay at Downs?

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 31: Mamelodi Sundowns coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi during the Mamelodi Sundowns trophy appreciation day at Mamelodi Mall on May 31, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

With reports circulating that Mamelodi Sundowns have parted ways with head coach Rulani Mokwena and part of his coaching staff, KickOff has been provided with the latest on senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi’s future.

As reported by local media, Mokwena had offered to leave Sundowns following an alleged fallout with Sporting Director Flemming Berg.

READ: ‘We don’t want games’ – Celtic fans slam government, warn Gallants

Under the 37-year-old as sole head coach last season, The Brazilians clinched the inaugural African Football League and the DStv Premiership with seven games to spare.

However, the side being knocked out by Esperance in the CAF Champions League, losing both semi-finals legs by a 1-0 score-line, started the rumours that Mokwena’s future at the club may be a subject to intense discussion during the off-season.

Sundowns also losing the Nedbank Cup final to Orlando Pirates sparked a debate on whether Masandawana had actually underachieved, winning only one domestic trophy, which they have won anyway for the past six seasons in a row, given the resources at Mokwena’s disposal.

Indications are that the club have done their review of the 2023/24 season and with Berg seemingly having the final say on technical matters, believe the head coach has not met some of their objectives set at the beginning of the campaign.

Reports are already circulating that the tactician has left the Tshwane giants along with other members of the technical team, including Michael Loftman, who was recommended to the club by Mokwena, as well as analyst Dayle Solomon.

As things stand, senior coach Mngqithi’s contract expired at the end of June and this website can confirm that Sundowns are in advanced talks with the former Golden Arrows mentor over a new deal in spite of intense rumours of Mokwena’s possible exit.

READ | OFFICIAL: Sirino leaves Sundowns, 3 other exits confirmed

“We are in advanced talks with Sundowns for Manqoba’s renewal,” Mike Makaab, CEO of ProSport International, told KickOff on Tuesday afternoon.

Should Mokwena leave the club, with confirmation expected soon from Sundowns, Mngqithi is expected to take temporary charge until a new head coach is formally announced.