LISTEN: 'I did NOT want to leave Sundowns' – Rhulani Mokwena

Robert Marawa chats to former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rhulani Mokwena.

Listen below.

The fruitful relationship between Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena has ended.

After several days of speculation, the club confirmed on Wednesday (3 July) that both parties have agreed to part ways. 

ALSO READ: 91 games and out as Rhulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns part ways

Despite signing a four-year contract, he departs after only a year.

There were reports that he had a clash with sporting director Flemming Berg.

Mokewena says, while he signed a non-disclosure agreement, he must make it clear that he did not want to leave the club.

“I have to make it clear, I didn’t want to leave. But I think my hand was forced. There are a lot of things I can’t talk about.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns 

His departure has rocked the club’s players as well as its fanbase.

“I’ve had players on the phone, calling me and crying. It’s very difficult… I know the families, the wives, the kids. But coaching is like this and you’ve got to be able to take it.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns 

“Earlier today I was walking… there was this cute little girl, she must have been eight or nine… she started shouting 'Coach, coach, coach, you still at Sundowns? You must stay at Sundowns'. I said, 'No, I had just left', and she started crying.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns

“I just want to say thank you for the kind words and support… I just want to apologise to the people who are feeling the pain. I know the timing; it’s caught a lot of people.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns

Mokwena says, despite the sadness, he will look back at this club with great fondness, pride and gratitude.

“It makes no sense to me but there are a lot of things in life that don’t make sense and they happen. You’ve just got to accept it… In football, some strange things happen but that’s the game.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns

“What I am accepting is that at 37 I have coached two of the biggest teams in South African football, I have won seven trophies, and four league titles. I’ve won Coach of the Season three times… 91 games played, 60 won, nine lost, and 11 draws. When I look at that, I am extremely proud.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns

“It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I will remember my time at Sundowns. It is what it is, it’s happened and now we’ve just got to try to move on as best as we possibly can… Sundowns will always have a special place in my life.”

- Rhulani Mokwena, Former head coach - Mamelodi Sundowns

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.