Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the exit of Rulani Mokwena as head coach of the DStv Premiership and African Football League champions.
In a statement published via the club's socials, it was confirmed that the 37-year-old will no longer be part of Sundowns. This comes after reports emerged of an alleged rift between Mokwena and club sporting director Flemming Berg.
It is understood Mokwena, as well as several members of the technical team at Sundowns, including set-piece coach Michael Loftman, had not been part of the group that returned to camp earlier this week.
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In his two-and-a-half seasons as sole head coach, he guided The Brazilians to two consecutive DStv Premiership titles and the African Football League (AFL) title.
However, it is believed it's the club's failure to win the prestigious CAF Champions League title that has been the source of displeasure for the club's hierarchy.
Sundowns were knocked out at the semi-final stage for two consecutive seasons.
Additionally, Mokwena's Downs' were bested twice this season in cup competitions as they lost both the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup in the final to Orlando Pirates.
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The writing appeared to be on the wall when Mokwena could not provide a clear answer in response to a question regarding his future following the Nedbank Cup defeat, in particular.
"I think I need to have an off-season to properly digest the lessons [from the 2023/24 season]. Of course, there are lessons not just about the team but also about myself," he said at the post-match press conference.
"The most important part is that when you lose games like this, you have to start with yourself as the coach. You can't go too far; you start with yourself in the mirror and ask, could you have done better?
"And first, before even going to find reasons, you have to humble yourself and apologise to the football club because it is not a game we should have lost.
"So, it's my responsibility to apologise to Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, the supporters, the Board and the club in its entirety for letting them down because we shouldn't have lost the match.
"And then it's about introspection, checking yourself, checking what you did and if the investment is enough. If the investment is not enough, then it becomes a bit of a problem because the club deserves better."