Agent confirms Rulani Mokwena interest, but Mamelodi Sundowns talks continue

Steve Kapeluschnik was quick to point out to SABC Sport, however, that Mokwena wants to stay at Sundowns. 

"He has a special father/son relationship with the president someone he is committed to," he said.

The 36-year-old mentor is fresh from guiding the Tshwane giants to a record-sixth straight title, achieving the phenomenal feat with seven games to spare. 

More impressively, he is yet to lose a league match since taking over as sole head coach in October last year.

"My phone hasn’t stopped ringing. I’ve had inquiries from Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, and even locally," Kapeluschnik added.

"It is my job to inform my client, but coach Rulani has made it clear he wants to be at Sundowns. He believes there is something special that he can still go on to achieve at the club – they are just a different level and class. You can see it with the number of trophies."

Mokwena has been quizzed about interest in North Africa as well as elsewhere on the continent, even dating back to when he was co-coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi, but his firm response has always been that he’s happy at Chloorkop.

Asked whether negotiations over a new contract were progressing well, Kapeluschnik preferred the answer came from Sundowns.  

"You need to ask the club. We respect their processes and they will guide us on the way forward, but I can confirm we are in talks," he revealed. 

The odds are in Mokwena’s favour though – a record of one defeat in 25 matches since Downs restructured the technical team and put him solely in charge.

He boasts a win ratio of 73 percent and, following their 4-1 drubbing of CR Belouizdad at the weekend, the club have one foot in the CAF Champions League semifinal.

"It’s nonsense that people are saying because this is Sundowns, they ought to be winning the league every season. Look at a club like Chelsea, spending exorbitant amounts of money and not being able to deliver this season," defended Kapeluschnik.

"I have never seen a title being won in this manner during the Premier Soccer League era, and I have been working in football for a long time. Sundowns are obviously miles ahead of their rivals [but] the coach should receive the credit where it is due."

With the season over in a few weeks, it’s no secret that The Brazilians will look to improve their current squad as has been the norm. 

Should Mokwena sign the new deal – as expected, he will play a crucial role in deciding Sundowns' player movements, and maybe even his backroom staff. 

"I believe the modern game calls for a coach who is hands-on. The coach should be given a level of trust to make big decisions, of course, with the club’s approval. A few things have changed recently, but it’s clearly nothing the coach can’t handle,” his agent concluded.