Hope springs eternal, of course, but Mamelodi Sundowns have endured a week from hell and it’s still only Wednesday. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are picking up the pieces.
Bad week for Sundowns, a new era at Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates to close the gap?
Sundowns lost Rulani, is Teboho Mokoena next?
SoccerLaduma believes that reports from Cairo24.com in Egypt make a strong indication that Al Ahly has already approached midfield maestro Teboho Mokoena. This is despite a denial on that front by the player’s agent Glyn Binkin. In the same report, it’s also suggested that Mokoena is a subject of interest for Qatari side Al Wakrah. Whether or not Sundowns will keep the 27-year-old at the club is uncertain. However, with this week’s news that manager Rulani Mokwena wants out, there must be doubts.
“SABC Sport has it on good authority that Mamelodi Sundowns and coach Rulani Mokwena are in talks to cut ties just 12 months after agreeing a four-year contract,” their report said.
“The final and official decision is yet to be made following tense discussions, but the probability Mokwena will step down is high.
“It’s understood at the centre of this shocking development at Chloorkop is the broken working relationship between the coach and sporting director Flemming Berg,” the report said.
This is all on the same day that Rulani Mokwena’s exit from the club was confirmed.
Orlando Pirates soon to welcome a raft of new players
According to SoccerLaduma, Orlando Pirates will unveil several new signings before heading to Europe for a pre-season tour. So far, they’ve announced one brand new player; winger Deivi Miguel Vieira aka Gilberto from Petro de Luanda. That publication expects Selaelo Rasebotja, Bayanda Thabethe, Thuso Moleleki and Ethan Visagie to follow suit shortly. The Sea Robbers, who twice got the better of Sundowns in cup competitions last season, embark on a European tour soon. They’ll face Plymouth Argyle, Al Sadd and Sevilla in Spain and Germany. It’s a busy July for Jose Riveiro’s men.
The Nabi era is almost upon us at Kaizer Chiefs
“Indeed, I am close to signing with Kaizer Chiefs for a project to gradually restore the club among the top teams, especially since it is one of the oldest clubs in South Africa,” Nabi said to Tunisian outlet Al Sabeh news in Arabic, which was later translated, via SoccerLaduma.
Nasreddine Nabi will assume the head coaching role at one of the continent’s biggest footballing institutions. Austin Ditlhobololo from Goal has reported why the Tunisian tactician chose Chiefs over other lucrative or appealing options.
“I chose the Kaizer Chiefs offer because it is an honour for me to supervise a team of Kaizer’s value. At the same time, as a Tunisian and an Arab, I have this responsibility and this opportunity, I can learn about a different culture, football and socially, which is a gain I always aspire to, without giving myself too much value.” Nabi told Ditlhobololo.
Chiefs will soon wrap up the signing of Bongani Sam from Pirates. They’re also going all to snap up Sekhukhune and Bafana winger Elias Mokwana.
What are your thoughts on the state of play in the ‘Big Three’ of SA football right now? Let us know in the comments.
