Zimbabwe Warriors left back Divine Lunga is set to have a new coach in the upcoming DStv Premiership season in South Africa.
This comes after seven time league title winners Mamelodi Sundowns officially parted ways with head coach Rhulani Mokwena on Wednesday.
Mokwena’s surprising departure was announced by Sundowns via their official social media platforms.
“Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena amicably concluded an agreement bringing to an end Rhulani Mokwena’s employment as Head Coach,” they wrote on Facebook page.
“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,” they wrote.
Mokwena was now entering his second year of his four year contract with the Patrice Motsepe owned side.
However, he was shown the exit door following speculations he clashed with Sundowns’ sporting director Flemming Berg over unclear circumstances, but reports suggest that the two had a rift over the club’s ‘strict’ transfer policy.
It is rumored that Berg was not happy with the players that Mokwena wanted to bring at Chloorkop while the former wanted total control of the transfers.
Nonetheless, these are speculations as the club revealed the reasons for the youthful coach’s unexpected departure.
“The decision of Mamelodi Sundowns was taken by the Board taking into account the objectives and expectations of the Club and was not influenced or based on the recommendation of any individual associated with the Club.
“Sundowns is deeply committed to the development and growth of South African coaches and players.”
Furthermore, Sundowns announced that “Coach Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team will continue to lead and take control of the training and preparation of the players for the upcoming season.”
“Mamelodi Sundowns is preparing and focusing on competing in all the upcoming competitions and is honoured to be one of four Football Clubs representing the African Continent in the historic FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”
Former Al Ahly coach Patrice Carteron is rumored as the person being lined up as Mokwena’s replacement.
