Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca have announced their decision regarding the future of Rulani Mokwena following reports that the SA coach will leave the club at the end of the season.
Wydad AC announced on Tuesday that coach Mokwena has been granted special leave until the end of the Botola Pro campaign, after which he will leave the club.
The decision to grant the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach leave and subsequently terminate his contract comes after a series of unsatisfactory results that have guaranteed Wydad AC will finish the season without any silverware.
However, even as Mokwena repeatedly stated that he was working with a new team that required time to gel, following a big squad overhaul at the beginning of his tenure, his time with the Moroccan giants was nonetheless characterised by considerable pressure.
Throughout his stint, which began at the start of the season, Mokwena also voiced his discontent with certain club members and fans, perceiving their actions as attempts to force his departure. In addition, he maintained his commitment to his tactical approach, stating his preference to leave Wydad rather than compromise his playing style amidst the team’s poor form.
While Wydad AC did show improvement from the previous season’s sixth-place finish, currently holding third position in the league, they may fall short of securing a return to the CAF Champions League.
A series of six consecutive league draws proved to be a major setback, with their last league victory in February.
RULANI MOKWENA GRANTED EXCEPTIONAL LEAVE AMIDST PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES
In 27 league matches under the guidance of Mokwena, Wydad AC recorded 11 wins, 12 draws, and four losses, accumulating 45 points. Ultimately, Mokwena’s troops failed to contend for the league title, which was won by RS Berkane, and their campaign in the Throne Cup ended in the Round of 16.
“The board of directors of Wydad Athletic Club announces, at the request of the first-team coach, Rulani Mokwena, that he has been granted an exceptional leave extending beyond the team’s last match in the professional championship, due to the great psychological pressures he has experienced recently,” reads the club statement.
“The Wydad Athletic Club management confirms that the termination of the contractual relationship with coach Rulani Mokwena will take place officially immediately after the end of the professional championship, out of respect for the terms of the contract concluded between the two parties.
“It also stresses that this decision will not entail any financial compensation, as is being circulated, except for the payment of the monthly wages due only.
“Accordingly, the sports director and national coach, Mr Amine Benhachem, has been assigned to lead the first team during this phase, with our sincere wishes to him and all the team’s components for success.”
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