Mokwena Defiant Amid Wydad Struggles: ‘If I’m the Problem, I’ll Leave’

Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena has made a bold statement, insisting he would step down if the club believes he is holding them back, following their latest 1-1 draw against Ittihad Tanger in the Botola Pro League.

Pressure Mounts on Mokwena

The draw marked Wydad’s fourth consecutive league stalemate, causing them to drop to fourth place with 43 points—two points shy of a CAF Champions League qualification spot, currently held by ASFAR. Mokwena's team is under increasing pressure to finish in the top three with five games left after RS Berkane have won the league title.

Mokwena’s Firm Stance

Speaking to the media post-match, Mokwena defended his tactical approach, asserting that his style of play is not the issue:

“When you bring me to Wydad, you bring me with a certain style of play, and I will never abandon it,” he stated. “If I am the problem, I give the president and the board full responsibility to relieve me of my duties. I don’t want to hold Wydad back.”

Tough Fixtures Ahead

Beyond domestic challenges, Wydad faces high-profile fixtures, including a clash against Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup on June 18, 2025, followed by a showdown with Juventus four days later.

Mokwena, who joined Wydad last year after departing Mamelodi Sundowns, remains committed to his project but acknowledges that results must improve. “My intention is to stay, but to stay, you need results,” he admitted.