Rulani Mokwena has shared his disappointment at how his efforts at Wydad Casablanca have been overshadowed by the club’s weight of expectations.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has been under massive pressure for the better part of his stay at the Moroccan giants.
Simply put, Mokwena’s stint with Wydad AC has not been rosy. In 27 matches, his team has managed to garner 11 wins and 12 draws, which translates to 45 points. They lost four times.
He was appointed head coach of the former CAF Champions League winners in July 2024 amid so much expectations. But under his watch, they failed to challenge for the Botola Pro League title, with RS Berkane clinching it with games to spare.
Additionally, they also failed to sustain their challenge in the Throne Cup, where they were eliminated in the Round of 16. Ultimately, Mokwena’s reign at the club is now expected to end when the season concludes.
On Wednesday night, his charges conceded a late goal that forced a 1-1 draw away to Olympic Club Safi. Wydad AC scored in the third minute and then conceded in the 86th minute.
That was their sixth consecutive draw, as they remain stuck on third position, with their chances of earning a CAF Champions League slot getting slimmer.
WHAT RULANI MOKWENA SAID ABOUT HIS SITUATION AT WYDAD AC
The Red Castle are now six points behind second-placed AS FAR, who have 51 points. Three games remain before the curtain goes down on the 2024/25 Botola Pro 1 season.
And Mokwena is disappointed as it appears his efforts are not being appreciated in Morocco. Speaking after the match, Mokwena said there is an improvement considering their previous season.
“The result is not good, of course, but this team [OC Safi] was tough. They haven’t lost in 12-13 games at home,” Mokwena said.
“We were close, but we didn’t do enough to win. I already said that at the end of the season, I will leave, so whether I continue now or not…
“In other places, for a big club to be number 3 on the table, it’s a good season. But with Wydad, to be number three, it is not a good season, but also if you take into account where the club was last year, number six and now number three, you know.”
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