Rulani Mokwena’s stint with Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca will officially come to an end at the conclusion of the current season. His agent, Steve Kapelushnik, has confirmed that the South African coach will part ways with the club once the campaign wraps up.
From Sundowns Success to North African Challenge
Mokwena joined Wydad following a controversial departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, where he had guided the team to a seventh consecutive DStv Premiership title. Despite his domestic success, Sundowns opted to part ways with him, prompting his move to North Africa in a bid to rebuild his career on a new stage.
Underwhelming Season for Wydad
However, things haven’t gone as planned for Mokwena in Morocco. Wydad have underperformed across competitions and are now guaranteed to finish the season without any silverware. The club currently sits third in the Botola Pro 1, trailing leaders RSB Berkane by a staggering 17 points. Most recently, they were knocked out of the Throne Cup after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Moghreb Tetouan, further compounding a disappointing season.
Mutual Agreement to Part Ways
In a recent interview with Morocco’s Radio Mars, Kapelushnik shed light on Mokwena’s immediate future. “I met with President Hisham, the coach, and the technical staff, and there was mutual support between both parties,” he explained. “I told the president clearly—if Rulani is no longer wanted, we will leave. But if he is to stay, let him complete the season. We agreed he will continue until the end, and then we’ll part ways in a professional and respectful manner.”
Five Matches Left Before Goodbye
With five league matches remaining, Mokwena will see out his contract before moving on, ending a turbulent chapter in his coaching career.
Coaching Carousel: Who’s Next for Wydad?
Meanwhile, speculation is already mounting about potential replacements for Mokwena at Wydad. Reports suggest that Orlando Pirates’ head coach Jose Riveiro has been offered to the Moroccan outfit. Interestingly, the coaching carousel could come full circle, with Mokwena also being linked to a return to Pirates as Riveiro’s possible successor.
Derby Clash Looms
Wydad’s next fixture is a high-stakes Casablanca Derby against rivals Raja Casablanca this coming Saturday, a match that could be one of Mokwena’s final high-profile appearances on the Wydad bench.
What’s Next for Rulani Mokwena?
As the coaching merry-go-round gains momentum, all eyes will be on Mokwena’s next move—and whether a return to South African football is on the horizon.
Related article: Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad Exit Talks Heat Up – Could Pirates’ Reunion Be Next?
