New chapter, but Haashim Domingo surprised Mamelodi Sundowns let him go

The two parties did not agree on fresh contract terms at the end of the season and Domingo immediately became a free agent. 

“We went our [separate] ways on a mutual agreement. But coach Rulani [Mokwena] wanted me there and he made it clear even in the media. However, he is not in control of contract negotiations,” Domingo told SABC Sport.

“What they [Sundowns] were offering me…I was not happy in terms of security and longevity, so we could not come to an agreement.” 

The 27-year-old would have no doubt had a lot more to offer at a club he joined when Bidvest Wits were sold in the chaos of the hard lockdown at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic across the world. 

Domingo won three successive DStv Premiership titles with the Brazilians and was eager to even add the CAF Champions League medal at some point, hence why the confirmed exit caught him off guard. 

“But we are not angry with one another. I understand them and they understand where I am coming from too. But it did come to me as a surprise – I felt that coach Rulani wanted me there and it’s important what he wants…to build a team. And he knows me, sees me every day,” added Domingo. 

“You know, if one door closes then another opens – that’s how I live my life. The almighty puts everything out there for us.” 

After making over 50 appearances for Sundowns and moving to a club with a passionate fan base, popularly known as the ‘Green Ultras’, the talented midfielder believes he is a better player from his spell at Chloorkop. 

He will work with familiar faces at Raja under coach Josef Zinnbauer, Fadlu Davids, and Darian Wilken – all former Orlando Pirates employees. 

“I enjoyed every moment of it – playing at Sundowns, I developed as a player. That’s all we want to do. I don’t take anything for granted or have anything bad to say about Sundowns. I am grateful, they put me here today. I had a great time with great people and a great technical team,” he said.