In a surprising turn of events, the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have announced the return of Steve Komphela to the club.
Komphela’s return follows the departure of Rulani Mokwena, who parted ways with Masandawana this week.
Mokwena is being linked with a move to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. The three-time CAF Champions League winners, who are without a coach, have reportedly approached him.
The Tshwane giants announced on Saturday morning that Komphela will rejoin the club as Senior coach. The 57-year-old leaves his job at Golden Arrows, where he was in charge last season. The move comes as a huge surprise as Komphela had only recently returned for pre-season at Arrows.
He left Sundowns in July 2023 after a reported fallout with then-head coach Rulani Mokwena. He had been serving as the club’s first-team coach following a reshuffle that saw Mokwena become the solo head coach.
Komphela went to join Moroka Swallows but did not finish the season due to the club’s financial problems. A move back to Arrows saw Komphela miss out on a top-eight finish by just one point.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS WELCOMES BACK STEVE KOMPHELA AS SENIOR COACH
Mamelodi Sundowns today welcomed Steve Komphela who will serve as Senior Coach and will assist Manqoba Mngqithi and the Technical Team,” reads the club statement.
Meanwhile Komphela said: “I am very excited to be back at Mamelodi Sundowns, where I was always inspired and treated with respect and love.
“I am committed to contributing to the club achieving its goals in South Africa and on the African continent.”
MASANDAWANA SET TO JET OFF TO AUSTRIA FOR THE 2024/25 PRE-SEASON
Sundowns are also back for pre-season ahead of the upcoming season. They will be leaving in a few days for Austria as part of their pre-season preparations. They are set to start their title defence when the DStv Premiership commences in the first week of August.
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