Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena has made a heartbreaking confession about his emotional turmoil, revealing the crushing weight of expectations that have left him feeling exhausted, undervalued, and emotionally drained. Despite leading the club to remarkable success and positioning Sundowns as one of the most dominant teams in South African football, Mokwena’s candid admission exposes the darker side of football management—the relentless stress, personal sacrifices, and emotional toll that often go unnoticed.
Speaking in a deeply emotional interview, Mokwena did not shy away from expressing his struggles. “I have to do press conferences, maybe six press conferences every week because we are playing three games. I have to talk to you, I have to plan training, I have to watch games. I had to watch Esperance eight times,” he revealed. “People don’t see the amount of time we invest in the game. I hardly sleep, I barely have time for myself or my loved ones. It is football 24/7, and yet, at times, I feel like it’s not enough. Like I’m not enough.”
Mokwena’s admission exposes a harsh reality in elite football—coaches are often expected to be superhuman, carrying the hopes of an entire fanbase while sacrificing their own well-being. In his case, the never-ending cycle of training, match preparations, media duties, and performance analysis has left him feeling trapped in a world where his efforts are not fully recognized.
“I don’t feel appreciated. I don’t think the amount of investment and sacrifice we give is appreciated,” Mokwena confessed. “It affects me because I am human, and I am not afraid to say it because sometimes, to speak about your weaknesses is a good thing.”
His words paint a harrowing picture of the immense burden that comes with being at the helm of a top club. While players often get the spotlight and accolades, the role of a coach is far more isolated, with every decision scrutinized and every mistake magnified. The pressure to maintain Sundowns’ dominance in both domestic and continental competitions has clearly taken a toll on Mokwena, leaving him emotionally drained and questioning whether his sacrifices are worth it.
Despite the glitz and glamour of football management, Mokwena’s breakdown highlights an often-overlooked reality—success does not always bring happiness. Under his leadership, Sundowns have remained dominant in the DSTV Premiership and continue to challenge for continental glory in the CAF Champions League. However, even with these achievements, Mokwena feels the burden of expectation weighing heavily on his shoulders.
“I don’t know any other way to succeed or give back to this football club and repay them for the loyalty they’ve shown to me by giving me this opportunity, except to sacrifice my sleep and my health and to deliver the results,” he admitted.
But at what cost? Mokwena’s words suggest that he is giving everything to the game—perhaps too much. The immense pressure of delivering trophies, managing egos in the dressing room, and constantly being in the public eye has turned his dream job into an emotional battlefield. The loneliness of leadership, the constant scrutiny, and the feeling of being taken for granted have all contributed to his distress.
Mokwena’s candid confession raises a broader conversation about the mental and emotional challenges faced by football managers worldwide. While players receive sports psychology support, media training, and even mental health assistance, coaches are often left to suffer in silence. The expectations are unforgiving, and failure is met with harsh criticism from fans, media, and even club executives.
This is not the first time a high-profile coach has spoken out about the emotional toll of the job. In recent years, some of the world’s top managers—including Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and Antonio Conte—have acknowledged the immense stress of football management, with some even taking breaks to preserve their mental well-being. However, in South African football, discussions around mental health remain limited, making Mokwena’s honest admission both rare and courageous.
Despite his struggles, Mokwena remains fiercely committed to his role at Sundowns. He has emphasized his desire to keep pushing the club to greater heights, but his emotional breakdown raises an important question—how much longer can he endure this pressure before it takes an irreversible toll?
Will the club management recognize his sacrifices and offer the support he desperately needs? Will fans begin to appreciate the unseen struggles he endures to keep Sundowns at the top?
For now, Mokwena soldiers on, but his emotional state serves as a powerful reminder that even the strongest minds can break under relentless pressure. As he navigates through this challenging period, one thing is clear—football may be a beautiful game, but for those who lead from the sidelines, it can also be a lonely and unforgiving journey.
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