Mamelodi Sundowns have announced the return of Steve Komphela as a senior assistant coach to Manqoba Mngqithi, following Rulani Mokwena’s exit.
The club’s statement, released on Saturday morning, did not provide details on whether Manqoba Mngqithi will be promoted to head coach.
“Mamelodi Sundowns today (Saturday) welcomed Steve Komphela who will serve as senior coach and will assist Manqoba Mngqithi and the technical team,” the Sundowns statement read.
Mngqithi, who recently signed a new contract with Sundowns, was previously co-head coach alongside Mokwena after Pitso Mosimane’s departure in 2020.
Mokwena was appointed as the sole head coach in October 2022 and had a remarkable stint, securing a seventh successive league title for Sundowns.
However, his sudden departure has been attributed to a tense relationship with the club’s sporting director, Flemming Berg.
Reports suggest that the two clashed over crucial issues such as player recruitment and team results.
Steve Komphela, who originally joined Sundowns from Lamontville Golden Arrows in 2020, had served as an assistant to both Mokwena and Mngqithi.
He left at the beginning of the last season to join Moroka Swallows but finished the season with Lamontville Golden Arrows.
Komphela’s return is expected to bring stability to the coaching staff as Sundowns navigate this period of transition.
The club’s supporters will be keenly watching to see how these changes will impact the team’s performance in the upcoming season.