Sundowns star latest to join Rulani Mokwena’s project

A Mamelodi Sundowns star is set for a reunion with Rulani Mokwena, becoming the latest to join his Wydad Athletic Club project.

In a move that seems inevitable, Sundowns defender Abdelmounaim Boutouil is reportedly on the brink of returning to his native Morocco to join Wydad Athletic Club.

The Moroccan international’s absence from Sundowns’ pre-season training, coupled with his expressed desire to return home, has paved the way for what appears to be an imminent transfer.

Boutouil’s yearning for home is no secret, as he previously left Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise during the Covid-19 pandemic for similar reasons. This time, the 25-year-old defender has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Wydad, with an option for an additional year.

This move will see him complete a unique feat, having represented all three of Morocco’s biggest clubs – AS FAR, Raja Casablanca, and now Wydad.

At Sundowns, Boutouil was a regular fixture under coach Mokwena, making 31 appearances and scoring one goal since joining from SC Chabab Mohammédia in July 2022. Ironically, the current Wydad president, Hicham Ait Menna, was at the helm of Mohammédia when Boutouil made his move to South Africa.

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The transfer, while not yet official, appears to be progressing smoothly despite initial disagreements over Boutouil’s valuation, according to iDiski Times.

The player’s eagerness to return home and Wydad’s desire to secure his services under Mokwena’s leadership have seemingly overridden any potential obstacles.

The left-footed defender’s arrival would add depth and experience to their defence. He will join forces with his former Sundowns teammate Cassius Mailula, who recently returned to Africa on loan from FC Toronto.

As Wydad looks to reassert its dominance in Moroccan and African football under Mokwena’s guidance, they have signed several players. They include Nabil Marmouk, Ayman Dairani, Hamza Sakhi, Zakaria Nassik, Abdelali Mhamdi, Jawad Khalouk, Mohamed Moufid and Mohamed Rayhi.

Wydad finished sixth last season, missing out on continental football. The 37-year-old mentor, Mokwena, has been tasked to rebuild them into a formidable force.

RELATED STORY: Cassius Mailula reunite with Rulani Mokwena at Wydad Casablanca