Rulani Mokwena Departs Wydad Casablanca: Club Confirms Exit

Rethabile Nyelele30 April , 2025

Wydad Casablanca have officially announced the departure of their head coach, Rulani Mokwena. He has been placed on extended leave as the club prepares to finalize his exit following the current Botola Pro League campaign.

Rulani Mokwena Requests Early Departure

According to a formal communication from the Moroccan club, Mokwena himself initiated this break. He cited the enormous emotional strain as a significant factor behind his decision. The club acknowledged that the South African mentor had been dealing with “enormous psychological pressure”. He opted to step back before the league’s conclusion. As such, he will not return to the touchline for the remainder of the season.

Contract to End After Season Concludes

Wydad’s leadership clarified that Mokwena’s employment will be formally concluded once the ongoing campaign wraps up. While speculation swirled around potential severance costs, the club was adamant. There would be no financial settlement beyond the coach’s outstanding monthly salary. This reflects their intention to honor the agreed terms without incurring additional payouts.

Benhachem to Guide Team Temporarily

In the interim, Amine Benhachem—who holds dual roles as the team’s sporting director and a national coach—has been tasked with managing the senior squad for the rest of the season. The club expressed confidence in his ability to steady the ship during this transitional phase. Although Rulani Mokwena is on leave, his influence remains significant.

Unfulfilled Expectations in Morocco

Mokwena took over the reins at Wydad Casablanca at the beginning of the season with lofty ambitions. These included a potential shot at the FIFA Club World Cup later this year in the United States. However, the team has struggled under his leadership. They now face the prospect of missing out on next season’s CAF Champions League, which is a major disappointment for the Red Castle faithful.

What’s Next for Mokwena?

Back home, talk has intensified around Mokwena’s possible return to the Betway Premiership. Whispers are growing louder about him replacing Jose Riveiro at Orlando Pirates. Riveiro is set to leave the Buccaneers when the season ends, making the timing of Mokwena’s availability particularly interesting.

As one chapter closes for Mokwena in Morocco, attention now shifts to his next destination—and whether it will indeed be a familiar return to Soweto where Rulani Mokwena’s career could continue.