Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed who are the dressing room leaders at the club after discussing how he approached the start of his new role.
The defending DStv Premiership champions opted to shake up their technical team at the end of last month, with Mokwena becoming the sole head coach, while Steve Komphela was promoted to become First Team Coach and Manqoba Mngqithi will be the Senior Coach.
Ever since, Masandawana have won all their four games, scoring 15 goals and not conceding any, while also lifting the Carling Black Label Cup.
Mokwena has now opened up on how he informed the players of the changes, naming Andile Jali, Mosa Lebusa, Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango as the dressing room leaders.
“After downloading videos of the last five games that we played, we were stuck trying to find a solution for achieving better results,” he told Sundowns Digital Magazine.
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“While analysing the games, I made notes about the individual players and spent most of the matchday against Maritzburg United having one-on-one discussions with each player. I intended to ensure that there was clarity and calmness among the players.
“Furthermore, I had a conversation with the team’s leadership namely: Andile Jali, Mosa Lebusa, Themba Zwane and Denis Onyango to reassure them that it’s still “business as usual.”
“My biggest plea to them was that we have to revive the team to its former glory. We must go back to being a team that plays with energy, aggression and the mad-dog mentality of not giving up.”
Mokwena also confirmed that he won’t change too many things, as he’s already built a strong relationship with the squad.
“The most important aspect of a leader is not to change,” he added.
“Football is about the relationships you have with the players, and I would assume that I have worked hard to establish a good rapport with the players over the past two years. I believe that my rapport has embodied honesty which has developed trust.
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“I think they understand the kind of person I am. I have moments of humour, but I also have moments of being serious and demanding. I will continue being authentic as I believe that it is important.
“I want to be remembered as someone genuine and sincere. I want to give to this team what I would want the players to give as well – sincerity.
“The club is far more important than any individual. The happiness of Masandawana supporters is our top priority. We want to make the yellow nation proud.”
Sundowns return to action on 31 December when they will hosts fifth-placed Orlando Pirates.
