The surprises Rulani Mokwena has pulled off at Mamelodi Sundowns

Tlotlisang Mollo31 January 2023Last Updated: 3 February 2023

2 minutes read

Rulani Mokwena, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach — Rulani Mokwena. IMAGES: Sundowns ©

Since Rulani Mokwena took over as the sole head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns in late October 2022, he has pulled off a few surprises.

Some of the changes he made were questionable at first. But later, they proved to be the right call through the continuous dominance the defending DStv Premiership champions have enjoyed.

Here are some of the changes that Mokwena has made since his reign commenced at Sundowns.

ANDILE JALI BEING BENCHED FOR TEBOHO MOKOENA

Under the leadership of Mokwena, Jali, who has been the anchor of Sundowns’ midfield, has barely seen much game time.

The 32-year-old midfielder was named player of the season in the 2021/22 season after having a brilliant season in the DStv Premiership.

However, this season, Mokwena has shown faith in Teboho Mokoena over veteran midfielder Jali.

In the games that Mokwena has been in charge, Jali has only started two and was an unused substitute in three.

Also, he came off the bench three times and has been out of the match-day squad two times. In the last 10 games, Jali has only played 165 minutes.

Rulani Mokwena and Mamelodi Sundowns players — **Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena encouraging his players**

MOTHOBI MVALA AS CENTRE BACK

This season, Mothobi Mvala, who is traditionally a midfielder, has played as a centre-back in seven games.

His selection in the centre-back role has overlooked players like Mosa Lebusa and Brian Onyango, who are barely getting minutes at the moment.

In a couple of games that Mvala has played in that position, he has shown why Mokwena has put faith in him to take on that role.

RONWEN WILLIAMS CEMENTS NUMBER-ONE POSITION

Ronwen Williams signed to Sundowns from local rivals Supersport United at the beginning of the season.

Coming into the high-flying Sundowns, which has dominated the DStv Premiership in five consecutive seasons, was always going to be a difficult situation to come into.

Especially when highly experienced goalkeepers such as former Africa’s number one, Denis Onyango, and Kennedy Mweene were the ones marshalling that position.

However, Williams has come into the Sundowns team and has grabbed the bull by its horns. And made the number one goalkeeping position his.

The 31-year-old has made 21 appearances this season in all competitions, kept 15 clean sheets, and conceded nine goals.

CASSIUS MAILULA FIRING FIRST SEASON

When it comes to the most surprising factor for Sundowns this season, Cassius Mailula takes the cup. The Sundowns development product has been magnificent since he made his first team debut in September last year.

The 21-year-old has six goals in 10 league games and three assists. With the brilliant current form he has shown so far, he might be in the running to become the young player of the season.