Mweene has the best goalkeepers at his disposal for Mamelodi Sundowns in Fifa Club World Cup
Mihlali Baleka | Published 3 hours ago
Kennedy Mweene will complete a full circle in his career when he returns to the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States as Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper coach.
Such is the depth that he has at his disposal, the 40-year-old is adamant that he'll have a nice selection headache as well.
Mweene was one of the goalkeepers – alongside Denis Onyango and Wayne Sandilands – who were part of the Sundowns team at the 2016 Club World Cup in Japan.
He built on the experience that he garnered from that event as he played a key role in the Brazilians' dominance of South African football.
The Afcon-winning goalkeeper with Zambia hung up his gloves two seasons ago, trading standing between the sticks to being a deputy goalkeeper coach at Sundowns.
But after his superior Wendell Robinson was sacked alongside head coach Manqoba Mngqithi late last year, he ascended to the position of head goalkeeper coach.
Mweene has managed to get the best out of his goalkeepers, No 2 Onyango and first-choice Ronwen Williams, as Sundowns won the Premiership on home soil.
The Brazilians' goalkeeping department was so good that they missed out on the CAF Champions League crown by a whisker, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids FC in the final.
But with that disappointment now behind them, Sundowns have put all their focus on the World Cup, in which they'll face Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense in Group F.
The Brazilians first game will be against South Koreans Ulsan next Wednesday, and Mweene has revealed who'll be his No 1 at the event.
'It's easy for me – it's not difficult. I think Ronwen and Denis have been doing well. We have Reyaad (Pieterse) as well,' Mweene said of his goalkeeping selection.
'We have got a balance of experience and youth, in this case, Reyaad, when it comes to playing on the international stage. For me, it's about continuity.
'Everyone knows that it'll be Ronwen (who'll be the No 1 and start most of the games) unless otherwise (due to injury).'
Sure, Williams is Sundowns' undisputed No 1, but Onyango's experience will come in handy in America, given his overall experience and participation at their last World Cup.
Mweene, who's the same age as Onyango (40), has lifted the lid on what it has been like to coach the former Ugandan No 1 in the last two seasons.
'I think the most important thing as a goalkeeper coach is to know how to train him. He's 40-plus,' Mweene said.
'It's not easy. You must know how to train him.
'There are exercises that he doesn't complete, because we look at his body and what he needs. He always pushes himself.'
The upcoming global showpiece has been extended to 32 teams.
As a result, Africa have four teams – Sundowns are joined by Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca.
The quartet's qualification has all but given the continent a slim chance of earning a podium finish, something that pleases Mweene.
'I think it's good for Africa because last time, it was maybe two teams or one. But this time there are about four, and that gives us a chance as Africa,' Mweene said.
'We are still crying about the number, but nevertheless, we just have to go and showcase our talent.
'We know that it won't be easy – it's a high-profile tournament.
'Everyone, including the boys, knows what we are going to do.
'Again, it won't be easy, but we have to showcase our talent – represent South Africa and Africa at large.'
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