Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela Sundowns Moriri

Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela Sundowns set to welcome back Nasir. Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

BOMBSHELL! Rulani Mokwena ADMITS to Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach squabbles

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has sensationally hinted at a fallout between him and his fellow coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela.

Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela Sundowns Moriri

Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela Sundowns set to welcome back Nasir. Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has sensationally hinted at a fallout between him and his fellow coaches Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela.

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According to Soccer Laduma, despite the tremendous success achieved by the Chloorkop-based side in recent seasons, there is a strained relationship between the trio.

Following the shock departure of Pitso Mosimane to Egyptian side Al Ahly almost 12 months ago, Mamelodi Sundowns opted to appoint his two assistants – Mngqithi and Mokwena – as co-coaches, with Komphela later brought in as a senior coach who reports to the duo.

In a club statement at the time, then Mamelodi Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe confirmed that Mngqithi would have the final say where there wasn’t consensus.

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There is an ‘element of truth’ to the reports, said Mokwena, who dropped the bombshell in an interview ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ much-anticipated home DStv Premiership clash against rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, 12 September (17:00).

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“I read the article, and was expecting this question,” Mokwena confessed.

“It’s a difficult one to answer, it’s also difficult to come across as not being honest. But at the same time also to protect the club as we’ve got a very, very big game at the weekend.

“Our focus and our energies must be on that.

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“But also in the corner of my brain, there’s also the need to clarify some of the things and it’s a pity because sometimes some of the things come out and you’re like ‘oh my goodness, how did this get out.

“That is probably the biggest issue, having a mole and having people that report certain things to the media.

“We shouldn’t have people in our club that go about that sort of behaviour and that should not be allowed.

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“In any organisation, any household if ever there are any relations of course there is going to be one or two squabbles or disagreements.

“Those should not be blown out of proportion. You know I get disappointed personally when I am on the other side and to be honest with you maybe this question should be posed to coach Manqoba Mngqithi.

“Because what was reported in the media there is an element of truth to it, but for me, the coach apologised and we move on.

“It’s important for Mamelodi Sundowns to move on and I have nothing further to add.”

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Mngqithi, Mokwena and Komphela have together achieved success beyond the wildest dreams of all Mamelodi Sundowns supporters.

They are currently aiming for their 12th PSL title in only the 26th season of the top-flight in South Africa.

For comparison purposes, the next most successful clubs – Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – both ‘only’ have four titles to their names.

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Mamelodi Sundowns have unsurprisingly made another fast start to the 2021/22 season and are into the MTN8 semi-finals, while in the DStv Premiership they beat last year’s runners-up AmaZulu 1-0 in their opener and then drew 0-0 with Chippa United.