South Africa: Absa Premier League side Mamelodi Sundowns appoints former FC Barcelona defender as director of Academy and Scouting

Absa Premier League side Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed appointment of former FC Barcelona defender Jose Ramon Alexanko as the club’s new director of Academy and Scouting

The 63 year old Spainard played for Athletic Bilbao and made over 250 appearances for FC Barcelona as a centre back during his time playing football

He retired and went into coaching where he developed the interest of working with youth and had his first coaching role as the head coach of the Spanish U23 side before later promoted to take charge of the Spanish senior national team for a period of four years

He later worked under Carles Rexach as an assistant coach for his beloved FC Barcelona

In 2005, he was named FC Barcelona’s youth system coordinator. He has also served as director of football at Spanish top-flight club Valencia

He was welcomed by Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane and club president Patrice Motsepe at the club’s Headquarters in Chloorkop on Monday, September 9th as he begins a new chapter with the South Africa’s record league title holders

By: Kanyiri Suburu Lucio/@SuburuAbdulai