Rulani nowhere to be seen at Sundowns; Is it time for Manqoba Mngqithi to take over?

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is reportedly leaving the club with Manqoba Mngqithi taking over the reins.

Having just extended his contract with Downs, many expected Mokwena to be at the helm for another few years atleast. On Tuesday morning , SABC Sport reported that Rulani was on his way out of the club leaving Manqoba Mngqithi in charge for now.

“SABC Sport has it on good authority that Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rulani Mokwena are in talks to cut ties just 12 months after agreeing a four-year contract.
The final and official decision is yet to be made following tense discussions, but the probability Mokwena will step down is high,” the publication said.

Will Manqoba Mngqithi take over from Rulani Mokwena?

SABC Sport further reported that Mokwena had a broken working relationship with the club’s sporting director Flemming Berg.

According to iDiski Times, Rulani was not part of the preseason squad but Manqoba Mngqithi was.

“Rulani Mokwena was not part of the arrivals at Chloorkop on Tuesday morning with the rest of the first-team. Manqoba Mngqithi is expected to oversee the squad for the start of pre-season as Masandawana look swiftly to replace Mokwena ahead of the new campaign,” the publication said on X.

Mamelodi Sundowns are yet to issue a statement on Mokwena. The 37-year-old has left Masandawana before when he was still an assistant coach. He joined Orlando Pirates and then left for Chippa United before rejoining the Brazilians.

Did Mamelodi Sundowns and Rulani Mokwena part ways?

With Rulani set to leave, will Sundowns appoint Manqoba Mngqithi or bring in a new coach? Mngqithi has been at the club for over a decade. The former Golden Arrows boss was linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs in recent months but it was reported he chose to remain in Chloorkop.