Soccer Laduma can exclusively reveal that discussions at Mamelodi Sundowns are ongoing over the make-up of the technical team beyond June 2023.
The recent technical team changes at Sundowns were made to be just ceremonial but the Siya crew understands that there is a significant shift of power and personnel changes are on the cards in the Brazilians' bench after Rulani Mokwena was elevated to a sole head coach position.
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As reported in edition 1306 of the publication, insiders privy to the discussions at Chloorkop have informed the Siya crew that Mokwena will have a big say on who will be in his technical team going forward, with senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi's contract expiring when the season concludes.
According to information that has reached the Siya crew's desk, assistant coach Steve Komphela's contract is also coming to an end in June, although Sundowns have an option to extend it.
As previously reported by this publication, Mokwena himself is also still in a process of negotiating a new contract and part of the discussions entail the young tactician having to choose his own backroom staff.
The former Pirates tactician confirmed to the media recently that as a new head coach at the Brazilians, as it is the case at various clubs across the globe, there's bound to be changes in the technical team as he responded to reports that the Tshwane giants have expelled fitness and conditioning coach Riedoh Berdien and assistant goalkeeper coach Marcus Mashilo.
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Given that Mngqithi was demoted, it's increasingly unlikely that he will be retained but Mokwena's bond with his assistant, Komphela could continue, especially given that the former Kaizer Chiefs coach gave him his break in the professional ranks from their days at the now defunct Platinum Stars back in 2009.
"It was Steve who gave me my first big break in professional football. I was 24 years old, still at university and he roped me into the Platinum Stars senior team structures in 2009," Mokwena said during Komphela's time as head coach at Chiefs.
"I will never forget that. It's always emotional for me to face Steve - I remember all those days when he took me in. I don't know if I would be where I am today were it not for him. He was like my high school teacher," he added.
At the beginning of last season, Soccer Laduma broke the story of the discord between the three coaches, with Mngqithi allegedly at fault for undermining Mokwena, although the young tactician confirmed that the former Golden Arrows mentor later apologized.
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