Rulani Mokwena Opens Up About His Strong Relationship with Wydad Casablanca Chairman Amid Coaching Challenges

by Nyiko Maluleke

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Rulani Mokwena, the current head coach of Wydad Casablanca, has shed light on the dynamics of his relationship with the club’s chairman, offering insight into why he believes he could stand the test of time at a club known for its tumultuous coaching history. Wydad, one of Morocco’s biggest and most successful football clubs, has a reputation for frequently changing managers, which often leads to instability in the team.

However, Mokwena, who took over at Wydad Casablanca with high expectations and a clear vision, believes that his relationship with club chairman Said Naciri could be the key to his long-term success at the club. Mokwena’s time at the helm of Wydad has been marked by a focused approach to rebuilding the team, and his handling of the pressure that comes with managing a club of Wydad’s stature has been widely praised.

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In a recent interview, Mokwena spoke candidly about his relationship with Naciri, acknowledging that it plays a pivotal role in his ability to remain at the club. “The chairman is someone who understands the vision we are trying to build,” Mokwena said. “We have open and honest discussions, and there is mutual respect between us. His support and belief in me are vital, especially in a club like Wydad, where coaches are often under pressure.”

Wydad Casablanca’s reputation for firing coaches quickly stems from their high standards and the intense pressure to win at all costs. The club has enjoyed significant domestic and continental success, and expectations from the fans are always sky-high. In such an environment, where the margin for error is slim, many coaches have come and gone in short stints.

Despite this, Mokwena has managed to maintain his position, with the club’s management seemingly understanding the need for patience in their current rebuild. His pragmatic approach to leadership and his focus on long-term development are qualities that appear to resonate well with Naciri, who has been supportive of Mokwena’s methods.

Mokwena, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Mamelodi Sundowns and played a crucial role in their successes, brought a wealth of experience and tactical know-how to Wydad. His philosophy of combining youthful energy with experienced players is starting to show results, with Wydad competing strongly in both domestic and continental competitions.

While the pressure of coaching at a club like Wydad Casablanca is never far away, Mokwena’s ability to work closely with his chairman and align the club’s ambitions with his own coaching philosophy gives him a solid foundation to weather the storm. If he can continue to build upon this partnership and achieve success on the field, it seems that Mokwena may just be the man to stand the test of time at one of Africa’s most prestigious clubs.

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