‘Sundowns to release players’, says Rhulani Mokwena

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has revealed that they’ll be releasing some players ahead of the new season to make way for the new signings.

There are many players at Sundowns who haven’t been fortunate to don the jersey so much this season with the regulars doing well constantly. Those are in danger to fall into the list of the players to be released which Mokwena says the technical team is finalizing.

“Do we expect players to leave? Of course, it’s normal in every football club,” Mokwena said as per Kick Off Magazine. “The goal is to improve and sometimes to improve means creating a space so that we can bring in because we can’t bring in already with 36 players and continue to bring in players.

“Of course, it will be the same process also we will combine our reports and submit them to the Sporting Director and the board. Then have meetings with our scouting departments, Ezrom and Terror and the rest of the coaches and see the way forward and it’s derived from those meetings,” said Mokwena.

Who might be on their way out?

Sbusiso Vilakazi

The former Bidvest Wits forward has been underprivileged in the past two seasons, not getting game time as he used to in his early days at Downs.

At the start of the current season, ‘Villa’ was linked with the exit door but eventually stayed. Chances are slim for the 32-year-old to be kept.

Grant Magerman

Since signing from Ajax Cape Town back in 2020, Magerman has been finding it tough to break into the demanding midfield of Masandawana.

He was loaned out to Swallows when the current campaign started. With Teboho Mokoena’s arrival in the last transfer window, the room might not be enough to keep them.

Gift Motupa

With only four appearances in his name this season, the coaches might look at his contribution and doubt if he can give them something in the future.

The former Bidvest Wits striker arrived at Sundowns with injury concerns after he was involved in the car accident. His come back saw him in competition with Peter Shalulile who’s flying high in the number nine position.

Gaston Sirino

Last season, Sirino was rumoured to be seeking his way out of the club with Al Ahly reportedly looking to land him.

However, Sundowns weren’t always going to make it easy for Pitso Mosimane to reunite with the Uruguayan. The move failed.

What were the consequences? Since then Sirino has not been the same. His form’s reduction has seen him being thrown into the bench at some point.

Although he has improved this season, however, they might consider releasing him.