SEDIBENG – I thought I was not going to write about the saga between the Mamelodi Sundowns and Coach Rhulani Mokwena because Zakes’ Sports Corner was of the opinion that this has nothing to do with local content, but I was wrong.

It has everything do with local content – taking into consideration that the club has a lot of followers from Sedibeng. Not only that, one of Sundowns’ players, Thapelo Morena, is from the Sedibeng region. MATTER OF FACT, whatever is happening at the Sundowns at the moment, one way or the other, has a negative impact in our region as well.

So, Zakes’ Sports Corner has no choice but to join the millions of South Africans on this saga between the Sundowns and Mokwena.

Many people, especially the club’s supporters, says it came as a shock to learn that their favourite coach has parted ways with the club. In fact, the writing was on the wall for all to see: Mokwena was a ‘dead man walking’ – especially after the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates. In some of the interviews, Mokwena claimed that he was not appreciated regardless of his success with the club.

Zakes’ Sports Corner is of the opinion that Mokwena also saw this coming.

Local soccer fans asked me about Zakes’ Sports Corner’s opinion about Mokwena’s departure. My immediate response was that it was long overdue. Zakes’ Sports Corner is of the opinion that the management at Sundowns never believed in Mokwena, or should I say never ‘liked’ him. Zakes’ Sports Corner recently watched Coach Pitso Mosimane’s live interview with Robert Marawa, where Coach Pitso highlighted the fact that when he suggested they call Mokwena back, some management members immediately said no.

Mokwena was among the club’s co-coaches after Coach Pitso left the club. The club then later appointed him as the Head Coach. Zakes’ Sports Corner was told that Mokwena’s departure at the club was the result of the club’s Sporting Director, Flemming Berg.  It is said that the two didn’t agree about the recruitment of players, among other things.

For those with short memories, Coach Pitso was unhappy with the same man when he left the club. The interesting question is, what will the future look like for Mokwena?

Zakes’ Sports Corner will be following this with keen interest.