Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves in unfamiliar territory, as they have to look for a new coach, following the unexpected departure of Pitso Mosimane.
The former Bafana mentor ended a highly-successful eight-year tenure at the club, where he guided them to 11 trophies, including five league titles and the top prize in the Caf Champions League.
The Tshwane giants now have to look for a man to continue where the 56-year-old left off, and we take a look at who could be the next Mamelodi Sundowns coach.
Next Mamelodi Sundowns coach: Possible candidates
Benni McCarthy: Having had a taste of the hot seat at one of the top clubs in South Africa, the Bafana legend could make a return to the top flight via Mamelodi Sundowns.
McCarthy had an unceremonious end to his tenure at Cape Town City, but before that, he did his chances at a top job in the premier division no harm with his earlier success with the club.
Manqoba Mngqithi: The top local candidate to take over as the next Mamelodi Sundowns coach is no other than Mosimane’s long-time deputy Manqoba Mngqithi.
The former Golden Arrows mentor guided Abafana Besthende through their glory years before being roped in by Mosimane as his assistant.
Having contributed greatly to the club’s success, he may well be the favourite to takeover the mantle, at least on a caretaker basis.
Ruud Krol: The much-revered former Orlando Pirates coach has been linked with a return to South Africa for several years now, and it could be the Mamelodi Sundowns job which finally lures him back.
The Dutch legend has spent most of his coaching career mentoring some of the top clubs in the continent and could be the perfect fit for the Brazilians, given their ambition to remain one of the biggest names in African football.
Rhulani Mokwena: A relative outsider for the job is Mosimane’s young assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena, who had a brief period at the helm of one of Sundowns’ top rivals.
Mokwena had a frustrating spell as caretaker coach at Orlando Pirates – as far as results were concerned – before a shortlived tenure at Chippa United, which was followed by a return to his post as assistant coach at the Tshwane giants.
Owen da Gama: With international experience as well as that of having coached one of SA’s “big three”, Owen da Gama is currently unattached following the sale of Highlands Park.
