Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the return of their former coach following the exit of Rulani Mokwena who parted ways with the club in the midweek.
Mokwena's departure from Sundowns stunned fans, coming despite a trophy haul that included the DStv Premiership and the inaugural African Football League last season. The club's statement offered little transparency, citing only “objectives and expectations of the Club” as the reason for the parting ways.
Meanwhile, it is understood, Mokwena's exit was caused by his tense relationship with the sporting director Flemming Berg. Allegedly, the two did not see eye to eye on various matters, such as player acquisitions and the team's playing philosophy.
Sundowns initially tasked Manqoba Mngqithi with overseeing preparations for the new season. In a surprising turn of events, the club has also brought back Steve Komphela, formerly of Golden Arrows, as a senior coach to assist Mngqithi and the technical team.
SUNDOWNS REAPPOINT FORMER COACH AS SENIOR COACH
“Mamelodi Sundowns today welcomed Steve Komphela who will serve as Senior Coach and will assist Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team,” the club stated in its social media platforms.
“Steve Komphela said, “I am very excited to be back at Mamelodi Sundowns where I was always inspired and treated with respect and love. I am committed to contributing to the Club achieving its goals in South Africa and on the African Continent.
“Mamelodi Sundowns is currently training in South Africa for the upcoming season and will be leaving in a few days to Austria as part of its pre season preparations.”
Komphela departed Mamelodi Sundowns to take the head coach position at Moroka Swallows. However, internal issues at the club, including a salary crisis for staff, forced his exit in January.
He was then appointed Golden Arrows coach in March, replacing Mabhuti Khenyeza who was demoted to the assistant coach. Now. it remains to be seen who will take over at the KZN club.
The appointment of Steve Komphela at Sundowns could foreshadow a future takeover by Manqoba Mngqithi as the sole head coach. The club's statement mentioning Komphela assisting Mngqithi hints at this possibility.
