Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena staked his claim for the Coach of the Season award.

Following his side’s 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at a packed Athlone Stadium in a DStv Premiership match on Saturday, Mokwena confidently expressed his belief.

The win propelled Sundowns to a record-breaking 72 points in the PSL, surpassing their own mark set in the 2015/16 season under Pitso Mosimane, where Mokwena served as assistant coach. This achievement underscores Sundowns’ recent focus, having secured the league title with six games remaining after defeating Kaizer Chiefs a few weeks ago.

The PSL award ceremony typically takes place the day after the Nedbank Cup final, which is expected to be held on June 2nd. Before that, Sundowns will participate in the Ke Yona Cup against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on June 1st.

“The coach of the season should be me — that’s what I think,” Mokwena declared, while still acknowledging the accomplishments of other coaches.

“I think the coach of the season should be the coach who wins the league, but I can’t not give lots of compliments to the work that Stevie has done at Stellenbosch.  

“He deserves incredible plaudits for the work he has done there and many other colleagues [do too]. There has been very good work that has been done by someone like Jose Riveiro.  

“But without sounding arrogant, the coach of the season in my opinion would be me and I have no doubts about it.” 

When asked about the personal satisfaction of this accomplishment, the record of points accumulated this season, Mokwena referenced a quote by Jurgen Klopp:

“Maybe I will steal one of Jurgen Klopp’s quotes when he said he doesn’t really matter what people think of you when you arrive,” Mokwena said when asked how personally satisfying this achievement.  

“What matters is when you leave. I think that is how I feel about the record points and that is the reflection that will take place the day I leave Mamelodi Sundowns which is still a long way.  

“So, I don’t think it is something I have already thought about now, and it hasn’t sunk into my brain.

Mokwena continued, expressing his gratitude to the players and the difficulty of replicating this feat in the future. “But it is a huge compliment to this special group of players because it is not easy to do. 

“And it will be difficult to outdo even in the future.”

Sundowns are currently on track to make history as the first PSL team to go undefeated for the entire season, having played 28 matches so far.

Picture courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns