Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained the sacrifice his side had to make to part ways with Bradley Ralani.
The veteran attacker parted company with Sundowns at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, bringing to an end his 18-month spell at the club. He joined Masandawana during the 2022 January transfer window from Cape Town City.
After spending four months as a free agent, Ralani has finally completed a move to the newly promoted Cape Town Spurs.
The former Cape Town City star is expected to add experience at Spurs after a turbulent start to the campaign. The Urban Warriors lost all their opening eight games in the DStv Premiership.
Meanwhile, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why the talented winger was released despite being his favourite player.
BRADLEY RALANI RELEASED TO ACCOMMODATE YOUNGSTERS
“Ralani’s issue was quite complex because of the direction we wanted to take as a club. Also coincided with the end of his contract and when you look at his age,” Mokwena said on Metro FM.
“Maybe also with the length of the contract that was proposed, the club felt that it didn’t meet and move in a direction that both parties would be happy.
“I have to say two things about Ralani that a lot of people don’t know. The first is I think he’s in the top three of technically, the best players I’ve coached.
“He could do things with the ball that I’ve never seen some players being able to do. And I’ve got incredible appreciation. Because we never had the opportunity, this is the chance to thank him for everything he did for the club.
“I mean he’s one of the players I enjoyed coaching and working with. Like I said there’s a lot more to staying at the club than just a coach wanting you.
“The club asked for my opinion and I supported it because I thought it was the right decision.
“It was in relation to what we’ve all agreed was the vision and the way we would like this club to move forward.
“With a young [Siyabonga] Mabena coming up, Thando Buthelezi coming up and Siyanda Nyanga in that number 10 position, we felt that they needed more game time.
“And keeping Surprise [Ralani] would probably hinder the development of the younger ones.”
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