Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena's contract has gained attention lately, and the Siya crew finds out the latest in negotiations.
Soccer Laduma had previously discussed the contract situation regarding the Brazilians coach, and Mokwena then went on to win the African Football League and the PSL title in record fashion.
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Now, Sundowns are believed to have decided to retain Mokwena, at least until June 2027 which marks the end of his current contract.
Siya sources close to the situation have indicated that there is a mutual understanding between the club and Mokwena to continue their partnership, underscored by specific contract clauses designed to deter any premature separation.
Mokwena has expressed contentment with his role at Sundowns, and the club is satisfied with his contributions. Sources have added that Masandawana have embedded clauses in the contract making it challenging for other clubs to lure him away before the contract's conclusion.
"For now there is no way he will leave the club before his contract expires. The clauses which talk about how much the club who wants him must pay to get him or what he should give back to Sundowns, if he wants to leave, makes it difficult to leave before the end of the contract," said the Siya source.
"All the parties agreed last year at the start of the current season that they have a four-year plan and that's why he signed for four years hence the inclusion of those important clauses to avoid separation before the end of the four years.
"We can't be talking about actual figures here because those are private things between the club and the coach but you know it's a lot of money involved in such long term contracts, mainly at a club like Sundowns. There could be interest from other clubs in Africa but with the contract he has with the club, the only time he could leave is when his contract expires.
"But he is also happy at the club and he wants to build his legacy here so it's hard for him to leave while still serving his four-year contract. Even after the four years in June 2027, I don't think he could leave but, you know, anything is possible in football. We should wait until that time then," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Despite not securing the CAF Champions League title in the two seasons since Mokwena assumed the head coach role, this has not impacted his standing or future with the club, according to a second Siya source.
"The plan from the Sporting Director is that at least if they can win the CAF Champions League within that four years then it's fine. So this was his first full season as a solo head coach and he still has three years to fight for that. But that won't determine his future. Yes, as much as the club would love to win the CAF Champions League but it's not the yardstick for his stay," said the second Siya source.
"So, as long as he continues to win the DStv Premiership title and continues to compete in Africa they will give him that chance to finish his four-year contract because even if another team wants him he won't come cheap because of the signing on fee with Sundowns for the next four years. So, for now they will have to wait until June 2027," the source observed.
Mokwena's tenure at Sundowns has been characterised by a commitment to excellence and a vision for the club's future. His desire to build a lasting legacy at Sundowns aligns with the club's ambitions, making the partnership a fruitful one.
While the football world is known for its unpredictability, the current arrangement suggests that Mokwena and Sundowns are poised for continued collaboration, with both parties looking forward to achieving more success together in the coming years.
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