Johannesburg – In an exclusive interview with renowned sports presenter Robert Marawa on Wednesday, former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena shed light on his unexpected departure from the club, unveiling a web of secrecy and leaving fans and pundits alike in a state of bewilderment.
“I didn’t want to leave. I have to make that clear. But I think my hand was forced,” the 37-year-old coach, who rose through the ranks at Sundowns, stated.
However, a confidentiality clause, a common feature in many coaching contracts, prevents him from revealing the full story behind his departure.
“There are a lot of things I can’t talk about because I’ve signed a confidentiality clause that prohibits me from speaking about some of the details. I hope you understand there are things I cannot disclose because if I do, I’ll get into a lot of trouble,” Mokwena explained.
The silence surrounding the reasons for his exit has fuelled speculation, with reports suggesting a breakdown in the relationship between Mokwena and Sundowns sporting director, Flemming Berg. However, the club vehemently denied these claims in their official statement.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his departure, one thing is clear: Mokwena leaves Sundowns with a legacy of success. He guided the team to a record-breaking seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title, a feat that cemented their dominance in South African football.
“It makes no sense to me. But, there are a lot of things in life that don’t make sense, but you just have to accept,” Mokwena said, reflecting on the club’s decision.
“I’m blessed with enough wisdom to comprehend some of the things like this. Sometimes in football some strange things happen. But that’s the game,” he added.
Mokwena’s achievements are undeniable. He has already won seven trophies as a head coach, including four league titles, and was named Coach of the Season three times.
“What I’m accepting is that at 37, I’ve coached two of the biggest teams in South African football. I’ve won, as a head coach, seven trophies already at 37. I’ve won four league titles, coach of the season three times. I leave with a record that says 91 games played, 60 games won, nine lost and 11 draws,” Mokwena proudly asserted.
“When I look at that, I’m extremely proud. Proud of the Sundowns players because I am crazy. I don’t know how they coped with me. I come with these crazy ideas and they breathed life into my ideas.”
The Unanswered Questions
The departure of Mokwena leaves a gaping hole in the Sundowns coaching setup. While the club is known for its meticulous planning and succession strategies, the suddenness of Mokwena’s departure has thrown the club’s plans into disarray.
The questions surrounding the reasons for his exit continue to linger. Was there a breakdown in communication or a clash of philosophies? Was there a power struggle between Mokwena and the club’s management?
The silence surrounding these questions only fuels speculation and raises concerns about the club’s internal dynamics.
