Axings, sign-ups, returns...
DOWNS GET SHAKEN UP
MAMELODI Sundowns have parted ways with their assistant coaches Jan Dirks and Harold Legodi in what is understood to be the start of a major shake-up at the Tshwane side.
Strong winds of change followed the arrival of coach Pitso Mosimane last month and the departure of the two assistants, who were brought in by departed Johan Neeskens, has barely raised eyebrows.
The team this week also confirmed the demotion of GM Kenneth Makhaya as part of a process to “implement certain management restructuring measures” by the club’s board and more changes are expected as the new regime strives to turn the fortunes of the nouveau riche but underperforming team around.
Ever improving midfielder Teko Modise is set to be offered a new contract tomorrow, when Modise’s business manager Jazzman Mahlakgane will meet Sundowns legal head Yugesh Singh.
“We are almost done with Yugesh in terms of General’s (Modise’s) new deal. I think the new deal will be finalised on Monday (tomorrow) morning,” said Mahlakgane yesterday.
“Sundowns have indicated from the outset that they want General to remain with the club.
“They have been good to the player and we also appreciate the professional manner in which they are handling the negotiations.”
Once feared striker Richard Henyekane has also opted to remain with Sundowns despite not being a regular.
The pacey Henyekane has extended his stay with the rejuvenated Brazilians until 2015 after Mosimane recommended to the management that they retain him for a further two years.
Comeback kid Ramahlwe Mphahlele says it feels good to be back at home at Chloorkop after the young defender spent just half of his season loan period at University of Pretoria.
“Chloorkop is home for me. I wasn ’ t bitter at all when I left. I just told myself I need to work my socks off in order to get back,” he says.
Sundowns travel to Polokwane tomorrow for a two-week mid-season training camp ahead of their Botswana sojourn early next month.
An epic clash against rivals Kaizer Chiefs awaits them on February 12.
Meanwhile, Black Leopards are set to take a short trip to Tanzania to recharge their batteries ahead of the league’s resumption.
Lidoda Duvha have lined up friendly matches against local sides Yanga and league champions Simba in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam respectively.
“We decided to organise an intensive training camp in Tanzania as part of the plan by management to introduce our players to international soccer,” says Leopards communications manager Tendani Thidiela.