By Michael Madyira
Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has thrown his weight behind Rhulani Mokwena after the Brazilians coach was handed a new contract.
Mokwena agreed to sign a four-year contract extension which will keep him at Chloorkop until 2027.
Despite Sundowns’ failure to win last season’s CAF Champions League and missing out on the Nedbank Cup, Mokwena was awarded a long-term deal.
He had steered Masandawana as head coach since October following the abolishment of a co-coaching set-up.
But the Tshwane giants ended the season with only the league title to show for their huge investment.
“Yes, without a doubt [Mokwena deserved a contract extension],” Booth told Scrolla.Africa.
“Hopefully he remains with the same [technical] team in Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela because they have been vital to his success.
“They are two characters who don’t have any egos and have a lot of wisdom. They can work together.
“Initially I thought the changes that were made might create a bit of friction but that hasn’t been the case. That is a relief.”
Mokwena might have convinced his employers that he deserves a new contract after going unbeaten in the Champions League where they were eliminated on the away goals rule in the semi-final.
The elite continental club competition remains the Brazilians’ top priority after domestic dominance.
But having been eluded by the Champions League trophy since clinching it in 2016, Booth feels last season’s performance offered hope that they are close to winning it.
“I think there isn’t much they need to do,” ex-Bafana Bafana defender Booth said.
“The fact that the team got to the semi-finals and lost by a very narrow margin and that they got that very far means they are on the right track.
“The more they get to the semi-finals, the better. Everybody knows that there is very little margin for error when you get to that stage, so the fact that they reached that stage was very encouraging.
“There is no obvious pattern or change of ethics that needs to be laid to win it per se.”
The Brazilians are expected to go after top players during this off-season as they seek to build a stronger squad for the Champions League.
Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena
Image source: Mamelodi Sundowns
