Rulani signs Nabi’s former star to solve problem position at Wydad
Wydad Athletic Club coach Rulani Mokwena has turned to Nasreddine Nabi’s former star player to solve a problem position at his club. Mokwena has strengthened his squad by signing El Mehdi Benabid, a former key player under Nabi at a previous club.
FARPost has it on good authority that 27-year-old goalkeeper, Benabid, is set to join Wydad from Botola rivals AS FAR Rabat, where he enjoyed a successful spell. Wydad has struggled defensively this season, conceding 20 goals in 19 games.
Mokwena has relied on Youssef Motie, who has made several costly errors. Furthermore, the 30-year-old’s lack of comfort with the ball at his feet has hindered his ability to effectively participate in the team’s build-up play. In 16 appearances, he has conceded 16 goals, keeping five clean sheets.
Benabid, crowned the Best Goalkeeper in the 2022/23 season, brings a wealth of experience and proven quality to the position. He arrives at Wydad after a limited playing time under his current coach following a reported fallout with club management.
Since Nabi’s departure, Benabid has been sidelined, making only four league appearances and four in the CAF Champions League. Notably, he was omitted from the squad that travelled to face Sundowns in Pretoria last weekend.
HOW IMPORTANT WAS BENABID FOR NABI AT AS FAR
Under Nabi’s guidance at AS FAR, Benabid flourished, playing 36 games and keeping an impressive 15 clean sheets. His modern style of play, with a strong focus on ball distribution, aligns perfectly with Mokwena’s preferred approach, which emphasises a proactive and possession-based style.
A product of the FUS Rabat youth academy since 2007, Benabid came through the club’s ranks. In the 2017/18 season, he gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell at Ittihad Khemisset in Botola 2 before returning to FUS Rabat and establishing himself as a first-team player.
His impressive record with FUS Rabat – 86 appearances and 44 clean sheets – speaks volumes about his consistency. In 136 Botola Pro matches throughout his career, Benabid has kept a remarkable 56 clean sheets, solidifying his position as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in the Moroccan domestic league.
Benabid’s international career has been steadily progressing. He has represented Morocco at various youth levels, including the U20 and U23 teams. In March 2022, he received his first call-up to the senior Morocco national team and was recently included in the 27-member squad for the 2023 AFCON.
His signing is a massive boost for Mokwena as he aims to improve their defensive record and challenge for domestic and continental trophies. The Botola league is on a break and will resume on February 8, 2025. Wydad are currently third after 19 games, having won nine, drew six and lost four.
Meanwhile, Youssef Achami is expected to join Mokwena’s coaching staff as an assistant. Reports from Morocco indicate that he has ended his contract with Husa to move to Wydad. The club had earlier stated that it would seek an experienced local coach to support Mokwena’s technical team.
RELATED STORY: Lebo Mothiba resurfaces at Sundowns after Wydad snub