The news of Rulani Mokwena's exit from Mamelodi Sundowns continues to reverberate across the South African football fraternity, but the former Downs mentor says he walks away from Chloorkop a proud man.
Mokwena delivered a number of titles for the club, with the latest being the 2023/24 DStv Premiership title and the African Football League as his first offerings in his first full season as the sole head coach.
“I was the first coach to win the Kay Motsepe Cup with the Under-19s at Sundowns. I won with the first team.
“I am proud of the work and the contribution and one thing I know when I go to sleep is that I know I gave the club 100%,” Mokwena told Hollywoodbets Brand Ambassador Robert Marawa on 947.
“I did not cheat Sundowns. I did not steal a salary or even one cent. I went over and beyond my responsibilities and I am very proud,” he added.
The former Masandawana and Orlando Pirates coach took a leaf from Ronwen Williams’ speech when he won the Premier Soccer League Footballer of the Season gong, becoming only the third goalie to clinch the coveted award.
Bafana legends Andre Arendse and Itumeleng Khune are the other goalkeepers who have been bestowed with this award.
“I laughed the other day when Ronwen Williams said in his acceptance speech, ‘And I want to thank myself’. So, I am proud of myself for the work that we did at the club,” said Mokwena.
“I don’t think the club is run by one person. It is not a one-person club,” said Mokwena, who went to reflect on his stint as head coach.
“I want to remember Sundowns for the opportunity they gave me and the incredible fans that they have. I want to remember Sundowns for the trophies that we have achieved. The technical team members taught me something, every single one of them.”
