By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
DSTV premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that head coach Rulani Mokwena has signed a new four year deal with the club.
Mokwena assumed the sole head coach role in October 2022 after Sundowns reversed their earlier decision of having three head coaches.
The 36-year-old went on to claim the DSTV Premiership title with seven games to spare; he also was just one-point shy of the overall points tally record as Sundowns claimed a record-breaking 15-game unbeaten run last season.
Reflecting on his contract extension, the visibly appreciative and driven Mokwena said: “I think that there is still more to be done and achieved. Because of those sentiments, I felt the need to put myself in service for this incredible institution once more – to assist in achieving more success and winning more trophies.
“The love and warmth I receive from the supporters fills me with pride. As a servant of this football club, tasked with a big responsibility of leading this institution and considering that there are many of the Yellow Nation that serve the football club selflessly, in this moment where I feel the privilege, I thank the supporters for making me feel appreciated.”
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Masandawana, we are delighted to announce that our Head Coach @coach_rulani has signed a 4️⃣-year contract extenstion ✍
Hear from Coach Rulani regarding the extension!#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/GJihmOdJZh
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 20, 2023
Sundowns stumbled on the continent, though, losing out to Wydad Casablanca on the away goals rule in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld in the second leg. Sundowns had won the first leg 2-1 in Casablanca.
Former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango is also expected to sign a contract extension at the club, with his current deal set to expire.
The team will return for pre-season on 28 June 2023 to prepare for the upcoming season.