Following the heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of MAS Fes over the weekend, Wydad Athletic Club have made a bold decision on their South African coach, Rulani Mokwena. The Moroccan giants are facing a challenging period, having failed to win their last three matches in the Botola Pro League.
Wydad Casablanca have garnered only six victories and six draws in 16 games, suffering four defeats. This inconsistent form has seen them fall 15 points behind league leaders RS Berkane. The Casablanca giants have scored 21 goals while conceding 18, highlighting a defensive vulnerability contributing to their struggles.
WHAT BOLD DECISION HAS WYDAD TAKEN ON RULANI MOKWENA
Following the humiliating home defeat, the Wydad board convened an emergency meeting to address the team’s poor performance. While pressure has mounted on Mokwena, the club has reaffirmed its support for the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach.
The board reportedly emphasised that the responsibility for the team’s poor run rests not solely on the coach but also on the players. A decision was taken to bring in a local coach to assist the coach. Mokwena is assisted by Sinethemba Badela, Sean Louw, as goalkeeper coach, and Alan Freese, as technical advisor. Sibusiso Makitla is an analyst, and Sibusiso Mahlangu is a fitness coach.
The former Orlando Pirates coach has previously said he would be open to working with a local coach.
Mokwena has made it clear he wants to stay at Wydad and is dedicated to changing their fortunes.
“The president [Hicham Ait Menna] and the board know 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.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana striker Lebo Mothiba started training with the team as they look to boost their attacking options. Wydad are eager to turn their fortunes around and climb the league table.
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