Wydad Casablanca have officially confirmed the departure of head coach Rhulani Mokwena, bringing an abrupt end to a partnership that lasted less than a year. Mokwena had signed a two-year contract with an option to extend, but the relationship has ended prematurely amid a string of underwhelming performances.
The South African coach was placed on special leave earlier this season as club management grew concerned over inconsistent results across all competitions. Mokwena had taken charge at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, who had reached the CAF Champions League final.
His appointment was seen as a bold and ambitious move by Wydad, with high hopes that Mokwena could restore the Moroccan giants to domestic and continental glory. Following in the footsteps of his mentor Pitso Mosimane, Mokwena was part of a growing wave of South African coaches making their mark on the continent—alongside figures like Fadlu Davids, who recently led a Tanzanian club to the CAF Confederation Cup final.
However, Mokwena struggled to meet expectations. Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro League, missing out on qualification for the next CAF Champions League—a key target outlined in his mandate.
Despite domestic setbacks, Wydad’s previous continental achievements ensured their place in the newly expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. As winners of the 2021/22 CAF Champions League and runners-up in 2022/23, the club secured a prestigious spot in the tournament.
In a twist of fate, Wydad were drawn into a group featuring Manchester City, offering Mokwena a potential showdown with Pep Guardiola—his coaching idol and one of the game’s most respected tacticians. Mokwena had often expressed admiration for Guardiola’s football philosophy and had long dreamed of competing against him on the global stage.
That dream, however, will go unfulfilled as Wydad prepare for the Club World Cup under new leadership.
