Rulani Mokwena has explained his situation at Wydad Casablanca following recent speculations about his future at the club.
The embattled coach has been under fire at the Moroccan giants after they went five matches without claiming a victory in the Botola Pro 1.
Wydad have played five successive draws in the league, leaving them with the big task of aiming to finish within the top two and secure a spot in the CAF Champions League for next season.
On Saturday night, Mokwena’s troops played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in the derby against rivals Raja Casablanca. The draw left Wydad third on the log standings with 44 points after 26 matches.
Since the highly rated coach arrived at Wydad from Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the current campaign, the Red Castle have won 11 league matches, drawn 11, and lost four times.
Last week, Wydad crashed out of the Last 16 of the Throne Cup following a 1-0 defeat against MA Tétouan. As a result, reports have been rife about Mokwena’s future as the ‘demanding’ club will end the season trophyless.
Amongst his other issues, SABC Sport reported that the former Orlando Pirates coach and his technical staff have not received their salaries in the past eight months. However, his agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, has confirmed that the coach and his backroom staff received portions of their salaries.
MOKWENA REVEALS THAT HE’LL LEAVE WYDAD
He described his ‘situation’ at Wydad as difficult due to poor results.
And after sharing spoils with Raja, Mokwena also revealed that he will leave Wydad at the end of the season, as his agent confirmed most recently. However, Mokwena said he would not depart through the ‘back doors’.
The Soweto-born mentor has in the past claimed that the Wydad supporters and some club officials are pushing for his exit.
“My situation with the club is difficult because of the results, and it has to be difficult. That’s what happens in a big team,” Mokwena said.
“So I have to take risks to win games, and that’s it. If it’s not good enough, then it’s okay. I told you guys, I’ll finish the season and leave Wydad at the front door, not the back door.
“I’ll leave Wydad with a big respect for the people of Morocco and big respect for the club, that’s it. I’m a coach that takes risks because I want to win.”
RELATED STORY: “Everyone who took this decision is happy now,” says Mosimane after CL heartbreak