By Staff Reporter
JOHANNESBURG-Rhulani Mokwena’s tenure at Wydad Athletic Club has come to an abrupt end after both parties agreed to part ways earlier than initially planned.
Although it was previously agreed that Mokwena would leave at the end of the season, the club’s ongoing struggles prompted management to allow the coach to depart with immediate effect.
The decision follows a disappointing spell in which the Moroccan giants went seven matches without a winacross all competitions. Wydad recorded six consecutive draws in the Botola Pro1, where they currently sit in third place with 45 points from 27 matches.
They trail second-placed AS FAR by six points, while league leaders RSB Berkane have amassed 60 points from 26 matches.
Wydad’s struggles were further compounded by their elimination from the Moroccan Throne Cup in the Round of 16 at the hands of relegation-threatened MA Tétouan.
The club’s 1-1 draw against OC Safi on Wednesday appeared to be the final blow, with both parties deciding to end what had become a strained relationship.
Speaking on his departure, Mokwena expressed his appreciation for the club while acknowledging that his time at Wydad had come to an end:
“It’s up to the President. I already said that at the end I leave. That’s the situation. I love Wydad, and I will only coach Wydad in Morocco. So if I leave, I leave as a Wydad.”
“I want to thank the President. I think Wydad has the best president in Morocco, maybe in Africa. The players have given me everything of the best, and the staff has been good.”
“Wydad is a big club, they deserve to win, and maybe they deserve a better coach than me.”
Mokwena’s departure has fueled speculation about a possible return to the Orlando Pirates, who are reportedly seeking a replacement for coach Jose Riveiro ahead of the upcoming season.
Despite Wydad’s disappointing form, Mokwena remains highly regarded for his tactical acumen, and a move back to South Africa could be on the horizon.
For now, Wydad will look to regroup and salvage their season under new leadership while Mokwena weighs his next move in what continues to be an eventful coaching career.
