Sundowns make shocking coaching changes

Mamelodi Sundowns have made shocking coaching changes following a below-par start to the 2022/23 campaign as per their high standards.

The Tshwane giants announced the daring changes to their technical team, citing the substandard performances and unconvincing victories in the new season.

Sundowns restructured its technical team, with Rulani Mokwena taking over as the club’s head coach.

Steve Komphela has been promoted to become the first-team coach, and Manqoba Mngqithi will be the senior coach.

Masandawana suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 second leg semifinal at a packed Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday, a result which has seemingly prompted the Chloorkop-based side to make immediate coaching changes.

DOWNS STATEMENT

In a statement released on Monday, the club said: “Mamelodi Sundowns announced today the restructuring of its Technical Team.

“And the changes in the responsibilities and employment positions of its coaches: Manqoba Mngqithi, Rulani Mokwena and Steve Komphela.

“These changes were necessitated by the poor performances and unconvincing victories that the club has experienced for quite some time.

“Mamelodi Sundowns has a clear objective of becoming one of the most successful football clubs in Africa, and its recent average and lacklustre performances are contrary to this objective.

“Rulani Mokwena will take over the responsibility of Head Coach at Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Steve Komphela will be promoted to become First Team Coach.

“And Manqoba Mngqithi will be the Senior Coach, which is the position previously occupied by Steve Komphela.

“The Goalkeeper Coach, Wendell Robinson, will stay in his current position.

“These changes are with immediate effect.”

The Brazilians have had an inconsistent start to the new campaign as they have won six games, drew 1 and suffered two defeats in 10 league games.

At this stage last season, after 10 games, Sundowns had a 100 per cent record and had also reached the MTN8 final, which they won, beating Cape Town City.

The Tshwane-based outfit will return to league action against Maritzburg United on Tuesday as they aim to bounce back to winning ways. That match is scheduled for 19:30.