Rulani Mokwena addresses future amid Wydad’s troubling defeat
Wydad Casablanca head coach Rulani Mokwena has addressed his future with the club following the humiliating defeat in the Moroccan Botola Pro League against Maghreb of Fez on Saturday night.
Mokwena’s troops suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Maghreb of Fez at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, extending their winless run to three matches in the league.
Despite playing with ten men from the 11th minute following the red card of Ismael Benktib, Wydad managed to take the lead in the 21st minute. Cassius Mailula, a shining light for the team, provided an assist for Mohamed Rayhi. This assist marked Mailula’s fourth assist in his last four Botola Pro League matches, showcasing his impressive creative form.
However, Wydad were unable to maintain their lead, conceding four unanswered goals to Maghreb Fez. This devastating defeat has seen Wydad slip down to sixth place in the Botola Pro League standings, having accumulated 24 points from 16 matches under the guidance of Mokwena.
The 37-year-old coach, Mokwena, admitted that his men’s performance was unacceptable, offering his sincere apologies to the club, its staff, and the passionate supporters for the heavy defeat.
WYDAD COACH MOKWENA ON HIS FUTURE AFTER EMBARRASSING DEFEAT
While acknowledging that the club ultimately decides his future, Mokwena also expressed his strong desire to remain at Wydad, emphasising his love for the club and his commitment to improving Wydad’s performance.
“The president [Hicham Ait Menna] and the board know that I have a contract,” said Mokwena. “Yes, we are Wydad, and we should never lose like that, and that’s why I apologise to the club and everybody at the club, especially the supporters, as they deserve so much better.
“To what the future holds is for the club to decide, but I want to be here…with all my heart because I love the club and I am doing my best, but we have to win as coaches, and we have not won enough matches yet.”
In addition, Mokwena urged fans and the media to direct their criticism towards him rather than the players.
He reiterated his commitment to protecting his players and his determination to remain at Wydad to rectify the situation and guide the team to success.
“I beg you not to criticise the players, but criticise me. I chose the line-up, and I bear responsibility,” added Mokwena, as quoted by Elbotola.com. “I have always protected them [players], even in previous clubs.
“I will protect the players until my last day. The truth is that I can handle criticism. I want to stay and change things to see better days at the club.
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