Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena recently lifted the lid on how he envisions Thapelo Morena’s role in his set up.
Morena was signed by Pitso Mosimane from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2016 as a right winger. The three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach converted him to a right back, and the 30-year-old has gone on to play 260 times for the club, scoring 21 goals and creating 30 while winning numerous trophies.
According to Transfermkt, 167 of his appearances for Downs were at right back, only featuring as a right winger 96 times. He has also been used in attacking midfield and as a second striker.
In a stark departure from the fullback approach of his predecessor, Mosimane, Mokwena is seemingly reimagining him as a key offensive weapon.
Morena, known for his versatility, was a regular feature in Mosimane’s backline. The former Al Ahly boss valued Morena’s ability to provide the team’s width in attack. However, Mokwena, sees a different future for the Bafana Bafana star. Under Mokwena, who initially took over as co-coach with Manqoba Mngqithi in 2020 following Mosimane’s departure, Khuliso Mudau has established himself as a nearly immovable object at right back. The 28-year-old has been consistent and dependable, earning his place in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana.
WHAT RULANI MOKWENA SAID ABOUT THAPELO MORENA
“The challenge is that in almost every other position, we’ve got two players except right back, and we’ve got Mudau,” Mokwena admitted. “It’s been very difficult to rest Mudau or to play without Mudau when he’s injured.”
Mudau’s presence leaves little room for experimentation or rotation at right-back, presenting Mokwena with a selection headache when managing player fatigue or injuries.
Interestingly, Morena has found his role under Mokwena evolving compared to his time under previous coach Mosimane.
“My feeling about Thapelo’s position is completely different…,” Mokwena stated. “I don’t think Thapelo, in the way we play. I don’t think I envisage the team with him as a right back.”
Mokwena’s vision for Morena lies elsewhere on the pitch, potentially unlocking new dimensions to the versatile player’s skillset.
With limited options at right-back, Mokwena has turned his attention to Zuko Mdunyelwa, who joins them from Chippa United.
“Zuko, we’ve followed a little bit…,” Mokwena revealed, giving credit to the Downs scouting team. “He’s a talent that I think is very promising.”
The 24-year-old could be the long-term solution to the Sundowns’ right-back conundrum. But for now, Mudau remains the undisputed king of the flank.
Mokwena’s tactical vision has taken shape, with Mudau’s dominance at right-back and a redefined role for Morena emerging as key elements.
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