Rulani Mokwena Coach Rulani Mokwena's tenure at Wydad Casablanca has ended unexpectedly after he was granted special leave due to psychological pressures.
Image: AFP
In a surprising turn of events, Rulani Mokwena’s three-year journey with Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca has come to an unexpected end.
Last week, the club confirmed that the contractual relationship with Mokwena will officially be terminated when the season ends.
However, since the club has only three games left this season, it was expected that Mokwena would oversee these games.
Wydad currently sit in third place, but are six points behind second-placed AS FAR Rabat and are well placed to compete in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
The Moroccan giants have confirmed that Mokwena will be on “special leave” as they prepare for the rest of the season.
The 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mokwena has, at his request, been granted this leave due to the significant “psychological pressures” he has been experiencing amid a challenging season.
Wydad’s statement reads: “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.”
The club advised that the separation would occur after a year into the three-year contract, without additional financial compensation, beyond his existing salary obligations.
There has been a period of mounting pressure on Mokwena after a string of disappointing results and criticisms regarding his managerial strategies.
Wydad have decided to appoint sports director Amine Benhachem as interim coach for the three league matches left to play this season until a permanent replacement is secured.
Earlier this season, Mokwena has been vocal in expressing his frustrations about the expectations placed upon him, especially considering he has been working with an unsettled squad.
At one stage, he acknowledged the challenges he faced in delivering consistent performances, by saying: “The club deserves a better coach than me.”
Following the announcement, Mohamed Rayhi, Wydad’s star forward and leading scorer in the Botola Pro League with 10 goals, took to social media with an emotional farewell to Mokwena.
“I can’t thank you enough for what you did to me, how you treat me, how you make me a better person and player. You make lots of things better in Wydad that people outside don’t know. Thank you for everything, and I wish you all the best in the future,” Rayhi penned on Facebook.
Wydad Casablanca, historically one of Africa’s most successful clubs, pride themselves on a ruthless pursuit of excellence.
As such, the swift decision to part ways with Mokwena may signal a determined resolve to return to the top of African football.
The club now face the critical task of identifying a successor who can harness the potential of their squad, and reinvigorate their standing in domestic and continental competitions.
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