Romain Folz, Mamelodi Sundowns’ new assistant coach, recently opened up about his decision to leave his role at FIFA for the opportunity to join South Africa’s premier football club.
This transition, sparked by his admiration for Sundowns and the unique possibilities the role offered, marked a significant shift in Folz’s career path.
The French-Moroccan coach joined Sundowns’ technical team at the start of the 2024/25 season, stepping into a role previously held by former assistant coach Michael Loftman, following the departure of head coach Rulani Mokwena.
Folz’s arrival added depth to the team’s coaching staff under the leadership of head coach Manqoba Mngqithi.
Motivation for Leaving FIFA for a “Top African Club”
Before joining Sundowns, Folz held a position as Performance Manager at FIFA, a role he took up in November 2023 after a brief period with Guinea’s Horoya SC.
In an interview with Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine, he reflected on his FIFA tenure, emphasizing how much he enjoyed his responsibilities and the projects he led.
When Sundowns extended an offer, Folz saw an irresistible opportunity to work with a top-tier African club.
“I was genuinely content with my work at FIFA, collaborating with a talented team on impactful projects,” Folz shared.
“But the chance to be part of a prestigious club, competing in the CAF Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, was too appealing to pass up.”
He also highlighted the Motsepe family’s dedication to South African football, noting their passion and contributions as influential in his decision.
“Their commitment to the sport and the club is incredibly inspiring,” he added.
The Opportunity to Collaborate with Manqoba Mngqithi
Another key reason for Folz’s move was the chance to work alongside Manqoba Mngqithi, a coach with whom he shares a similar football philosophy.
Folz believes that this alignment of ideas will help take Sundowns to new heights.
“Working with coach Manqoba Mngqithi was a major factor,” he explained.
“We share many footballing ideas, and I see our combined vision as a pathway to elevate the team’s performance even further.
The focus on innovation and player development resonates with my approach.”
Folz expressed his excitement about contributing not just to Sundowns’ success but also to the overall growth of the players and the club’s organizational culture.
Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy with Mamelodi Sundowns
With his new role, Folz aims to bring his international experience and unique perspective to Sundowns, helping them navigate domestic and international competitions.
As he embarks on this new journey, the 34-year-old coach is eager to make an impact on the team’s success, development, and future legacy in African football.
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