The South Africa Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) has raised concerns about the shock sacking of Rulani Mokwena by DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
In a statement released to the media on Wednesday, SAFCA labelled Sundown's decision to fire Mokwena as “clumsy and extremely short-sighted” on the part of their management.
An apparent fallout with the club’s sporting director Flemming Berg was said to be the main reason behind Mokwena’s exit as the 14-time league winners.
“While we can never (and have no intention to) tell Mamelodi Sundowns or any other club how to run their business, we are, however, of the view that the decision, to allow the circumstances that led to Mokoena’s departure from the club to prevail.
“As clumsy and extremely short-sighted by the management of Mamelodi Sundowns and quite frankly, extremely disturbing that there are those who celebrate this costly development,” the statement read.
Mokwena was fired from the Tshwane based despite guiding the club to back-to-back league titles and winning inaugural African Football League.
However, while Mokwena was able to win the league, he failed to win the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, suffering defeats at the hands of Orlando Pirates on both occasions.
SAFCA also pointed out that Mokwena's untimely departure from Mamelodi Sundowns could be disastrous for Bafana Bafana.
“Mokoena’s departure from Mamelodi Sundowns is not just a club issue. Looking at the undeniable impact Mamelodi Sundowns has had on the national team, which has resulted in Bafana Bafana winning their first medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in 24 years, these developments are of national importance.”
SAFCA president Greg Mashilo also took aim at Sundowns sporting director Berg, saying that he hoped there was no truth to the rumour he was planning on bringing on board a foreign coach to lead Masandawana.
“We hope there is no truth in the word that is reaching us that the club’s Sporting Director Flemming Berg intends to bring a foreign coach, who could undo the legacy of Pitso Mosimane, Manqoba Mnqithi and Rulani Mokoena, who have headed the technical team of this club – the success of which has been everyone’s success,” said Mashilo.
According to recent media reports, Mokwena has been offered a two-year deal by North African giants Wydad Casablanca.
Full Statement below.
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