Top coaches around the world have been linked with a move to Mamelodi Sundowns after the exit of the 2023/24 Coach of the Year Rhulani Mokwena.
The 37-year-old had a fantastic season at Masandawana; he won the Premier Soccer League and the inaugural African Football League. The tactician further helped the Brazilians reach the final of MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, as well as the Caf Champions League semi-final.
Reportedly, he fell out with Downs Sporting Director Flemming and the club opted to let him leave. The club lost one PSL game in the concluded season, and set a record of attaining the most points, 73, and in the process broke Pitso Mosimane's fete that as achieved in the 2015/16 era.
Top coaches linked to Masandawana!
Sundowns have since brought back coach Steve Komphela to help Manqoba Mngqithi in running the team.
However, some big names like Patrice Carteron and Raja Casablanca coach Josef Zinnbauer who initially coached the Soweto Giants Orlando Pirates.
Portuguese Jose Peseiro – who helped Nigeria reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final but lost to hosts Ivory Coast, is another tactician who has been linked to Downs as confirmed local agent Gerald Baloyi.
“Yes, Vodia Sports International Management offered Jose Peseiro to Sundowns, though the Nigerian national teams are interested in bringing him to take over again,” he told SNL24.
Current Masandawana plans
Currently, Masandawana are in Austria preparing for the new season where they will be hoping to retain their status in South African top-flight football.
The Brazilians have so far released five players. They opted against extending Brian Onyango, Gaston Sirino and Thabiso Kutumela's contracts. Bongani Zungu opted out, while Junior Mendieta has joined a new team already.
On Tuesday, the PSL champions confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old South Africa forward Kobamelo Kodisang.
