Rhulani Mokwena could finally breathe easier after guiding Wydad Casablanca to a 2-1 victory over Moghreb Tetouan in the Botola Pro League on Saturday. The result brought an end to a difficult stretch of three consecutive losses, one of which was a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to Maghreb Fes.
That loss to MAS Fès had brought plenty of pressure on Mokwena’s shoulders, especially with whispers circulating about his position at the club. He admitted that the match against Moghreb Tetouan was one they could not afford to lose.
“We came into this game knowing we needed all three points, and that was our only focus,” he explained. Though he had seen positive efforts from his team during the loss to Maghreb Fes, he acknowledged that the result forced a change in direction.
Balancing Responsibilities and Facing Expectations
Mokwena now has the difficult task of managing Wydad’s pursuit of success in the league while also competing in the CAF Confederation Cup. With the club trailing RS Berkane by 12 points, pressure continues to build.
He has openly expressed his commitment to lifting the team’s performance and made it clear that he wants to continue in his current role. At the same time, Wydad has been dealing with tensions within the team, particularly around Nassim Chadli, who was left out of the starting eleven.
The matter has drawn attention, but the club has decided to manage the issue away from the spotlight. With Wydad pushing to succeed both locally and on the continent, Mokwena’s ability to deliver results will likely decide how long he stays in charge.
