Sundowns exodus: Sinethemba Badela follows Rulani Mokwena out the door
Mamelodi Sundowns is facing a turbulent period as Sinethemba Badela, the coach of their DDC team, has become the fourth member of the technical staff to resign following Rulani Mokwena’s departure just a week ago.
In a shock move, Mokwena parted company with the DStv Premiership champions last week. He had led Sundowns to their seventh successive league title and the inaugural African Football League, but that was not enough to keep him on the job.
Mokwena has been linked to Wydad Casablanca, who are reportedly closing in on him. Badela, Mokwena’s respected protege, was brought to Sundowns by the then-head coach and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s coaching setup.
His leadership led the Mamelodi Sundowns DDC side to a second-place finish in the DStv Diski Challenge last season, with an impressive 66 points and a league-leading 63 goals scored.
WHICH OTHER TECHNICAL TEAM MEMBERS HAVE FOLLOWED RULANI MOKWENA?
On Wednesday afternoon, Sinethemba Badela tendered his resignation. The departure of key personnel raises concerns about the club’s stability and future direction.
Badela’s departure, coupled with the loss of fitness trainer Sibusiso Mahlangu and performance analysts Sibusiso Makitla and Dayle Solomons, leaves Sundowns with significant gaps to fill in their coaching staff.
Speculation is rife that Badela will reunite with Mokwena at his next destination, with Wydad being a potential landing spot.
This further deepens the uncertainty surrounding Sundowns as the club grapples with the task of rebuilding its technical team and maintaining team morale amidst the upheaval.
The departure of five technical team members in such a short span of time is a significant blow to Sundowns. The club’s management will need to act swiftly to address the situation and ensure that the team remains competitive in the upcoming season.
Badela also had stints as All Stars head coach in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and was Chippa United’s assistant coach during Rulani’s tenure as head coach of the club.
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