Themba Zwane reveals how Mamelodi Sundowns players are coping with Rhulani Mokwena’s exit

Published on by Joel Oliver

Mshishi has given a lowdown on the behind-the-scenes reaction to the tactician’s departure

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane has given an insight into how the squad has been coping with the exit of coach Rhulani Mokwena.

Mokwena left Sundowns at the start of July following a falling out with the powers that be before he ended up at Moroccan giants Wydad AC.

It was a departure that proved hard to take for the players as they had developed a strong bond with the tactician and Zwane has revealed how the playing unit had to encourage each other to overcome the disappointment.

“Obviously as players after seeing the news, we had to encourage one another, try to support one another, knowing for sure that decisions are made in football and we try to respect the decision of the team,” Zwane said as per SABC.

‘Try to encourage the guys that the coach still remains the same’

“Try to encourage the guys that the coach still remains the same, we still want to win all the trophies that we're competing for and I feel like the mood is fine and the brotherhood.”

Since Mokwena’s departure, Sundowns have since strengthened the technical bench with the return of Steve Komphela as well as the addition of ex-AmaZulu coach Romain Folz to assist Manqoba Mngqithi.

Zwane is thrilled by the opportunity to work with Folz who is new to the Sundowns setup unlike Komphela who had a stint at the club before seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Sundowns have strengthened in key areas with four new players

“For us, we feel like there's continuity as much as we feel like we're adding something that will help us in all the games that we're gonna play and try to improve the team,” he added.

“For me, it's good for the team, the competition needs to be high and we have a lot of qualities and we have enough depth because we know that we're going to play a lot of games. So, it's good for us. He's a good coach, intelligent and for now, he's still quiet but we know going forward he will loosen up.”

Sundowns have made four new signings so far with winger Kobamelo Kodisang (Moreirense), forward Arthur de Oliveira Sales (Lommel SK), Kegan Johannes (SuperSport United) and Asekho Tiwani (Sekhukhune United) arriving and will begin their season with the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City on August 11.

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.