By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club have announced changes to its technical team with Rulani Mokwena taking over as the club’s head coach.
Sundowns made the unexpected announcement in a statement on Monday and it reads as follows.
“Mamelodi Sundowns announced today the restructuring of its Technical Team and the changes in the responsibilities and employment positions of its coaches: Manqoba Mngqithi, Rulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela,” the club said via a statement.
“These changes were necessitated by the poor performances and unconvincing victories that the club has experienced for quite some time.
“Mamelodi Sundowns has a clear objective of becoming one of the most successful football clubs in Africa and its recent average and lacklustre performances are contrary to this objective.
“Rulani Mokwena will take over the responsibility of Head Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, Steve Komphela will be promoted to become First Team Coach and Manqoba Mngqithi will be the Senior Coach which is the position previously occupied by Steve Komphela. The Goalkeeper Coach, Wendell Robinson will stay in his current position.
“These changes are with immediate effect.”
The move by Sundowns follows the club’s exit at the MTN8 semifinal stage with their 3-0 second leg defeat to Orlando Pirates in Polokwane on Sunday.
The Brazillians top the league in 2022-23 with seven wins, a draw and two defeats from 10 matches.
Sundowns have won six, drawn one and lost one of their last eight games in all competitions, including progressing past La Passe of Seychelles 15-1 on aggregate over two legs in the Caf Champions League second round to reach the group stage.
The reshuffle comes a day before Downs’ Premiership fixture against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday night (7.30pm).