The tenure of Rhulani Mokwena at Wydad Casablanca has reached a premature conclusion, with the Moroccan giants confirming that the highly-rated coach has been granted special leave for the remainder of the season.
This decision comes amidst a period of mounting pressure on Mokwena as the club grapples with inconsistent results in their pursuit of a CAF Champions League qualification spot.
Despite not featuring in this season’s TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, Wydad’s current third-place standing in the Botola Pro league, with 45 points from 27 matches, falls short of securing a coveted spot in next year’s premier continental club competition.
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They face a significant uphill battle, trailing league leaders RSB Berkane by a substantial 15 points (having played one game more) and sitting six points adrift of second-placed AS Far Rabat.
In an official statement, Wydad’s board of directors addressed the situation, stating, “The board of directors of Wydad Athletic Club announces, at the request of first-team coach Rulani Mokwena, that he has been granted an exceptional leave of absence extending beyond the team’s final match in the professional league.”
The club further elaborated on the reasons behind Mokwena’s departure, citing the intense pressures he has faced recently. “This is due to the significant psychological pressures he has experienced recently,” the statement explained.
Wydad also clarified the terms of Mokwena’s exit, emphasizing that it will be a contractual termination without significant financial implications beyond his due wages.
“The Wydad Athletic Club management confirms that the contractual termination of coach Rulani Mokwena will be officially completed immediately after the end of the professional league, in compliance with the terms of the contract concluded between the two parties.
“It also emphasizes that this decision will not entail any financial compensation, as is being circulated, except for the payment of the monthly wages due only,” the club asserted.
With Mokwena stepping away on immediate leave, Wydad has swiftly appointed sporting director and national coach Amine Benhachem to take the reins for the remaining matches of the season. “Accordingly, the sports director and national coach, Mr. Amine Benhachem, has been assigned to lead the first team during this phase. We sincerely wish him and all the team members success,” the club announced.
Mokwena’s arrival at Wydad during the off-season generated considerable excitement, following his successful spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he had recently celebrated winning both the South African league title and the inaugural African Football League. However, his time in Morocco has been shorter and more challenging than anticipated, ultimately leading to his early departure.