The former Bafana Bafana coach shares his thoughts after the changes made in the Brazilians technical department.
Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns opted to surge forward without vocal tactician Rhulani Mokwena.
It is reported that the 37-year-old fell out with his technical team colleagues regarding the playing unit. It is rumoured that Mokwena did not have a free hand in proposing the players he wanted to work with, as Sporting Director Flemming Berg wanted to have full control.
Mokwena – who was given the full mandate as the head coach early 2022/23 season, has since stated he did not intend to leave, but he had limited options.
Mosimane raises his 'emotional concern' – ‘I am not pretending'
Former South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane worked with Mokwena at Masandawana for three years before leaving for Orlando Pirates. The 59-year-old argues he knows the tactician, before hinting it wasn't wise for the Brazilians to release him.
“The sad part is, he's let go at Sundowns, I'm not happy, you can feel my emotion. I'm not pretending, I just feel bad for him. Sundowns is a big club, Sundowns will sort themselves out. Sundowns is not about Pitso, Sundowns is not about Rhulani, coaches come and go,” he told SABC Sport.
“I get emotional with this thing of Rhulani because I know Rhulani. You have been there on my journey with Rhulani. I was so humbled and appreciated a little bit of contribution that I put in when I came to Mamelodi Sundowns, I brought over coach Manqoba Mngqithi, I brought over coach Rhulani that they must help me in the process of building and making a better team that can compete in the continent that was the vision and I think we can all say that we've achieved that vision.
“We need to give credit to the people who contributed. I didn't do it alone, I had them on my side as my generals, my assistants to help me and they've helped me,” Mosimane concluded.
How does the immediate Downs' future look without Mokwena?
The Brazilians made a shock decision of reuniting with Steve Komphela who had left at the beginning of the 2023/24 season for Moroka Swallows.
Komphela lasted at the Dube Birds for six months before parting ways, in the end landing another role at Golden Arrows until Masandawana gave him a deal. He will be working with Mngqithi.
The duo has the task of ensuring the team retains the PSL status, challenges for domestic Cups as well as delivering in the Caf Champions League and African Football league.
