Wydad AC
By Sello Masilo
Wydad Athletic Club (Wydad AC), one of Morocco’s most prestigious football clubs, has officially announced that head coach Rulani Mokwena has been granted “special leave” and will not be present for the team’s remaining three fixtures in the professional league. The decision comes amid growing psychological pressures reportedly experienced by the coach in recent weeks, with the club’s management confirming that his contract will be formally terminated at the end of the current season.
The official club statement, issued on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, clarified that the request for leave originated from Mokwena himself and that the club had no objections to allowing the coach time away from the sidelines. According to the announcement, the strain of the recent period—marked by intense fixtures and high expectations—played a critical role in the decision.
The statement reads: “Based on the request of the first team coach, Rulani Mokwena, he has been granted a special leave that will extend until after the team’s last league match in the professional championship, considering the great psychological pressure he has experienced recently.”
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Contract to Be Terminated at Season’s End
In a key update that has caught the attention of supporters and football commentators alike, Wydad AC confirmed that Rulani Mokwena’s tenure as head coach will officially end once the current league season concludes. The club emphasised that this decision was made in mutual agreement between both parties, maintaining professionalism and respect until the end.
“Wydad AC confirms that the contractual relationship with coach Rulani Mokwena will officially end immediately after the conclusion of the professional championship. This is in mutual agreement and with full respect for the contract terms,” the club stated.
The announcement also clarified that there will be no form of severance or compensatory payments beyond what Mokwena is contractually entitled to receive in terms of monthly salary.
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No Financial Fallout Expected
Wydad’s board took the opportunity to dispel any speculation regarding financial compensation or contract breaches. The statement was clear: the special leave does not come with additional payouts or penalties. The coach will only receive his “deserved monthly salary,” and no further negotiations around termination compensation are expected.
This transparent handling of the matter is likely to strengthen Wydad’s image as a club that upholds contractual discipline and fairness—a move seen by many as calculated ahead of upcoming technical and leadership restructuring.
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Interim Coaching Role Appointed
With Mokwena stepping aside temporarily and his departure imminent, Wydad AC has entrusted team duties to the club’s current sporting director and national technical figure, Mr. Amin Benhachem. He has been assigned to lead the first team for the remainder of the league campaign.
“Based on this decision, sporting director and national framework Mr. Amin Benhachem will lead the first team during this period, alongside our technical and performance staff,” the statement confirmed.
Benhachem, a respected figure within the Moroccan football community, is expected to stabilise the team and maintain competitive focus as Wydad wraps up what has been a rollercoaster 2024/25 campaign.
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Background: A Challenging Tenure for Mokwena
Rulani Mokwena’s stint with Wydad AC began amid high expectations. Following his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, Mokwena was seen as a tactical asset for the Casablanca-based giants, known for their dominance in domestic and continental competitions.
However, his time in Morocco has not been without turbulence. Despite some impressive performances and attempts to inject a more possession-based style into Wydad’s traditionally aggressive gameplay, the team has faced inconsistencies. Reports of internal pressure, media scrutiny, and conflicting tactical philosophies added to the burden carried by the South African coach.
Recent weeks reportedly saw mounting pressure, especially following a string of critical fixtures and speculation surrounding squad morale and fitness. Insiders suggest that Mokwena’s decision to request leave may have been influenced by a mix of performance fatigue and the looming certainty of contract non-renewal.
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Reactions from Fans and Football Stakeholders
The news of Mokwena’s exit has generated mixed responses from fans. While some believe the decision comes too late in the season, others commend the club for handling the transition in a structured, professional manner.
In Moroccan and South African football circles, discussions have already begun on whether Mokwena will return to South African football or take on a new challenge elsewhere on the continent or abroad. The coach has previously been linked with clubs in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, although no official negotiations have been confirmed as yet.
Analysts believe that Mokwena’s time at Wydad will serve as a valuable learning curve in his coaching journey, especially in dealing with foreign environments, cultural adjustments, and team dynamics under different footballing traditions.
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