‘Mokwena fired for signing over-age Lorch from Orlando Pirates’ – Sono puts it in black & white

Published on by Willis Sob, updated on

The former Masandawana tactician has a new team in North Africa barely days after being fired by the Brazilians

There have been different versions of what led to the Mamelodi Sundowns and Rulani Mokwena's recent divorce.

The outstanding one involves his fallout with the Masandawana Sporting Director Flemming Berg who, reportedly, wanted to have full control of the transfer business, specifically Thembinkosi Lorch who, Berg felt, was not a good investment owing to his age. He wanted to have a say on who comes or stays at the club.

Weeks before his exit, Mokwena claimed he did not have the powers to stop Bongani Zungu from leaving the team. After his dismissal, he publicly said his hands were tied; he had the will to remain but the circumstances did not allow it.

Rhulani Mokwena when he was unveiled as the new coach of Wydad Casablanca. Photo: Wydad AC
Rhulani Mokwena when he was unveiled as the new coach of Wydad Casablanca. Photo: Wydad AC

Rulani confirms the exit reason as told by Sono!

South Africa legend Jomo Sono insists it was the battle of supremacy that led to the exit of Mokwena.

“[Rulani] discussed it with me. The big chief there [Berg] Eh! He didn't want Lorch because he felt that Lorch was over age, you can't invest so much money in a player who is over 30,” the 68-year-old told MSW.

“Then I said to him, look I can't get involved in Sundowns' politics. It is difficult to advise you on this one. I don't want to get involved, the moment I open my mouth, it will be on the back, in the middle, and front pages of the newspaper.

“I don't want to be involved, it is your decision. If you want him you fight for him, if you want something you fight for it, if you don't want it you don't fight for it,” Sono concluded.

Wydad Athletic Club have since appointed the 37-year-old to coach them on a three-year-deal, hoping to guide them to take them back to the top.

‘Mokwena fired for signing over-age Lorch from Orlando Pirates’ – Sono puts it in black & white

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.