The response from Mamelodi Sundowns supporters following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Polokwane City on Sunday was mixed, with numerous fans expressing their longing for the former coach Rulani Mokwena.
Mokwena left the Brazilians last month and went on to take over as a head coach at Wydad Casablanca.
Reacting to his abrupt departure, he said, “my hand was pushed”. This was after a broken relationship with the club’s sporting director Flemming Berg. Sundowns were also unhappy with last season’s achievements, particularly failing to win CAF Champions League.
Mokwena only won the DStv Premiership and African Football League out of six trophies they competed for. In the Champions League, Sundowns were knocked out in the semifinals by Esperance de Tunis.
They were eliminated in the first round in the Carling Knockout Cup and also lost to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup finals.
Polokwane City’s clash was Sundowns’ first official match under the guidance of new technical team led by Manqoba Mngqithi.
Mngqithi’s game approach was way different from what football enthusiasts are used to when watching the Tshwane giants. Despite being direct in their offensive game, they couldn’t succeed in dismantling Rise and Shine defence.
At times, they looked like they had no solutions when reaching the final third. They created some chances but weren’t clinical in front of goal.
Rulani Mokwena was trending on X after the match with many Sundowns fans admitting missing the 37-year-old already.
FANS REACTING TO SUNDOWNS FIRST OFFICIAL MATCH WITHOUT RULANI MOKWENA
“I know I'm not the only one missing Rhulani's ball. I'm afraid Mamelodi Sundowns is no longer the same,” wrote @Thesonofwoman.
“Rhulani used to be deadly in the 2nd half let's see what Octane ball has in store for us,” said @Tsholoo341.
“Sundowns is a mess since Rhulani Mokwena left,” wrote @TheLoneReader_
“Rhulani ball would be 3nil up by now,” said @RomeoZakhele.
“Sundowns would’ve scored 5 goals here under Rhulani. They gonna miss son of the soil,” said @ChrisExcel102.
“Manqoba Mngqithi plumbing has started,Rhulani would have buried this match long time ago,” said @sabelostorm.
