Julius Sono, father of former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, has spoken out about his son's departure from the club and revealed the advice he gave him.
Mokwena left the Brazilians in an unexpected manner despite the club’s success in the DStv Premiership and African Football League under his guidance.
His departure was reportedly influenced by strained relations with the sporting director Flemming Berg and a failure to achieve goals such as winning the CAF Champions League.
Mokwena’s father, Sono, expressed his belief that the treatment he received from the Tshwane giants was unjust.
He feels it is illogical to dismiss Mokwena and appoint a local coach without any prior experience in African football.
He says he has advised his son to take a three-month break before going back to football.
WHAT ADVICE HAS RULANI MOKWENA’S FATHER GIVEN TO HIS SON
“I did have a chat with Rulani, the only advice I gave him for now is to take a three-month break before he makes a decision,” Sono tells KickOff.
“It will help to calm his temper, and spirit. Then get up, dust himself, and start again. The treatment he got from Sundowns was unfair, to be honest.
“He was fired for continental football, he was sacked for not winning the CAF Champions League, but after that, they replaced him with a domestic coach.
“You replace him with someone who has no record in Africa… it doesn't make sense. This is a method of madness.
“Rulani is a CAF Champions League club associate member. I told him to google MLS clubs and assist some of the local players find teams in America.”
Mokwena has reportedly been offered a contract by Wydad Casablanca and a handful of clubs in North Africa are said to be interested in his services.
Casablanca are looking for a stronger comeback next season after finishing the Botola Pro campaign in the sixth position. As a result, they failed to qualify for CAF competitions.
AS FAR Rabat and USM Alger are also among clubs that have been linked with the 37-year-old coach.
