Why Mamelodi Sundowns Parted Ways With Rulani Mokwena — Tlhopi Motsepe Speaks

• Tlhopi Motsepe has revisited Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to part ways with Rulani Mokwena in 2024
• The chairman explained how the club viewed its Champions League ambitions when the coaching change was made
• Motsepe also acknowledged the lessons coach Rulani Mokwena carried into his next coaching jobs

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopane “Tlhopi” Motsepe says the club was right to part ways with Rulani Mokwena in 2024, with the CAF Champions League remaining central to the decision.

Speaking to Robert Marawa, Motsepe reflected on the coaching change more than 2 years after Mokwena’s departure.

According to Goal, Motsepe said the decision had to be viewed in the context of Sundowns’ continental ambitions.

“It was [the right decision to let go of Rulani at the time], I think in hindsight, when coach Rulani went to Wydad, he had lessons that he had learned at Sundowns that he takes there,” Motsepe said.

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Sundowns wanted to clear Champions League hurdle

Mokwena left Sundowns in July 2024 after guiding them to a seventh consecutive league title and the African Football League trophy.

However, the Brazilians had again fallen short in the CAF Champions League. They were eliminated by Espérance in the semi-finals in April 2024.

Motsepe said Mokwena’s subsequent moves also allowed him to build on his experiences.

“When he goes to MC Alger, he has lessons he learned from Pirates, Sundowns, Wydad, and he took them there,” he said.

“I’m sure he’s going to be successful there. He seems to have gotten off to a good start, and congratulations to him.”

Motsepe sends message to South African coaches

Mokwena’s career after Sundowns has included spells with Wydad AC and MC Alger. His coaching journey has therefore continued across different African football environments.

Motsepe said Sundowns would continue supporting South African coaches on the continent, although he drew a line when it comes to the Champions League.

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“And again, we say, we want them to be successful as South African coaches, just not against Sundowns in the Champions League,” he added.

The comments come after Sundowns eventually achieved the continental breakthrough Motsepe referenced. The club won the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, defeating Esperance in the semi-finals before lifting the trophy. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Motsepe’s latest comments provide fresh context on why Sundowns backed a coaching change in 2024, while also acknowledging Mokwena’s contribution to the club and his continued development elsewhere.

Sundowns avoid FIFA punishment after Al Ahli clash

Briefly News previously reported that Mamelodi Sundowns escaped an additional FIFA financial sanction after their Intercontinental Cup clash with Al Ahli on 19 September 2026.

The Brazilians had several players booked during the 2-1 victory, but an important FIFA disciplinary threshold meant the club avoided the extra team misconduct fine. The development adds another layer to Sundowns’ ongoing international campaign.

Source: Briefly News