Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena attracts interest from major European team

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Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena attracts interest from major European team

Festus Chuma 20:30 - 24.05.2024

Mamelodi Sundowns' coach Rhulani Mokwena is being courted by a major European club, with fans strongly advocating for his appointment.

A potential coaching revolution is brewing in European football as Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena has emerged as a target for French giants Olympique de Marseille. 

The South African tactician has garnered significant attention from a passionate section of Marseille supporters, who are clamoring for his appointment ahead of the next season.

Mokwena's growing reputation has reached the shores of France, where Marseille is actively seeking a new manager following the departure of Jean-Louis Gasset. 

The 70-year-old Gasset, who had a brief stint as caretaker manager, announced his retirement from active management after Marseille's 2-1 victory over Le Havre last Sunday.

"Sunday will be the last match of my career," Gasset confirmed during a recent press conference, according to Reuters. 

This announcement has spurred Marseille's fanbase to push for Mokwena's signature, with a section of supporters even launching a petition to endorse his candidacy.

The 37-year-old Mokwena has been instrumental in Mamelodi Sundowns' recent successes, including their domestic league triumphs and commendable performances in continental competitions. 

His agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, acknowledged the interest from Europe but emphasized that no formal discussions have taken place.

"Look, there's been a lot of interest in Rulani. He's done phenomenally well, but you know he's focused on where he is at the moment," Kapeluschnik stated in an exclusive interview with KickOff.com. 

"Certainly, we're not gonna be talking to clubs about Rulani when he's trying to win the Champions League or trying to win the league or is in a cup final."

Mokwena's remarkable achievements with Sundowns have made him a sought-after figure in the coaching world.

 Despite the mounting interest, Kapeluschnik reiterated that Mokwena's current focus remains solely on his commitments with Sundowns.

"So, there's been no discussions on my part. But obviously, we always get enquiries about Rulani, that's just the way it has been," Kapeluschnik added.

Marseille's search for a new manager began after Gasset's predecessor, Gennaro Gattuso, parted ways with the club due to a series of disappointing results. 

Gasset, who previously managed the Ivory Coast national team, was brought in on a temporary basis to stabilize the ship until the end of the season.

As Marseille prepares for the 2024/25 campaign the club's supporters are eager for a fresh start under Mokwena's guidance. 

The fervor surrounding his potential appointment underscores the high regard in which he is held not only in South Africa but also on the international stage.

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