Mamelodi Sundowns have decided to delay contract negotiations with head coach Rulani Mokwena until a later stage, Soccer Laduma can exclusively reveal.
The talks over the renewal of Mokwena’s contract, which is due to end in June 2024, were opened last year due to technical team changes, where he was elevated to a sole head coach position.
Manqoba Mngqithi was demoted to senior coach and Steve Komphela promoted as assistant coach. Sources close to the Tshwane giants have informed Soccer Laduma that Mokwena will have a significant say in the setup of the new technical team, with Mngqithi and Komphela’s contracts expiring when the season concludes, although Sundowns have the option to extend the former Kaizer Chiefs coach’s contract.
Riedoh Berdien and Marcus Mashilo have already been shown the door by Mokwena and more changes are expected. However, the club has decided to delay the head coach’s contract negotiations for a few weeks, following internal discussions.
“It’s better to focus on the league at the moment and of course the big assignment with the CAF Champions League group stages getting underway in February,” said a source.
Given Sundowns’ current form and lead at the top of the table, Mokwena is safe, even contractually. However, Mngqithi and Komphela will be slightly concerned with time. The delay in sorting out the technical team could have also impacted the club’s transfer movements.
Sundowns are yet to make signings or release players in the January transfer window and part of the reasons could be Mokwena yet to contractually have full control over the team as a new head coach.
It is believed that the 36-year-old is looking to get off his reign on a clean slate, with his new technical team settled and having the authority to make critical decisions.
