Mamelodi Sundowns Coach, Black Poison Owner Rulani Mokwena Hits Back Over Holding Lesego Motlhamme Back

• Mamelodi Sundowns coach and Black Poison owner Rulani Mokwena has responded angrily to accusations levelled against him
• It is alleged that Mokwena is refusing to release Lesego Motlhamme from the team so that he can join Varsity College's football club
• Instead of answering to the accusations, Mokwena offered a non-answer while referring inquiries to someone else

Mamelodi Sundowns coach and Black Poison owner Rulani Mokwena has responded to accusations levelled against him.

Mokwena is alleged to be holding out on releasing 27-year-old Lesego Motlhamme from the amateur side. Educational institution Varsity College's football team has been intending to sign him while also helping him further his education.

Soccer Laduma stated in an article that its reporter(s) had seen email communication between Mokwena and Varsity College representatives. The latter is said to be seeking documents required to ensure that Motlhamme joins them from Poison without any hassles.

Varsity College's Lindani Ngcobo told the football publication:

Orlando Pirates said to be looking to plug goalkeeping gap with possible retirement of Wayne Sandilands

Football

“If he doesn’t get the clearance, he will not be able to play for Varsity College and enjoy the benefits of his sports bursary. We’ve sent coach Rulani countless emails and tried to call him, but we’ve not made any progress.

"Unfortunately this lack of action and indifference to the plight of this young man will compromise his future and goes against the spirit of developing young and upcoming footballers."

According to the publication, Mokwena responded:

“First of all, I should clarify that I do not deal with issuing clearances. The process is straightforward and we have an office for that. But these matters have to be addressed with respect and humility, not lies.

"Black Poison has developed players and allowed several of them to join rival clubs or move on without standing in their way, and we didn’t even get a cent. All we are asking for is respect and for matters to be handled amicably. Lesego has my number and can call me.”

'Sandile Zungu should just get over it': Social media reacts to Amazulu owner's plans to take Kaizer Chiefs to court

Football

According to a SowetanLIVE investigative piece, Mokwena had referred them to a "chairlady". Soccer Laduma has since established her to be Langisa Nkanyani, the chairperson of Black Poison.

It was reported that they failed to get comment from her after numerous attempts at establishing contact.

Mokwena finished waspishly:

"I don’t want to respond because I then give credibility to a matter that is a non-matter. It’s not worth our energies. I’ve got to focus on Mamelodi Sundowns. That is why we have an office and a chairlady appointed to deal with such matters. I can’t be dealing with such."

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena shares fanboy moment with Nigerian legend Jay Jay Okocha

While he might not be enjoying good press elsewhere, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena proved there is always someone who you look up to and admire.

As reported on Sports Brief, this was the case recently when he and former Nigerian dribbling wizard Augustine "Jay-Jay" Okocha crossed paths. The two gentlemen were part of SuperSport's panel of experts for the entirety of the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Mokwena shared a photo of himself and Okocha on his own Twitter account gushing in praise of the football legend.