Wydad finally confirm Rulani exit

Wydad Casablanca have confirmed that they have placed head coach Rulani Mokwena on special leave, pending the termination of his contract at the end of the Botola Pro League season.

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The Moroccan giants issued a statement in which they said ‘psychological pressures’ on Mokwena meant the South African had requested an early exit from the club.

‘An exceptional leave’

“The board of directors of Wydad Athletic Club announces, at the request of the first-team coach, Rulani Mokwena, that he has been granted an exceptional leave extending beyond the team’s last match in the professional championship, due to the great psychological pressures he has experienced recently,” read the statement. 

“The Wydad Athletic Club management confirms that the termination of the contractual relationship with coach Rulani Mokwena will take place officially immediately after the end of the professional championship, out of respect for the terms of the contract concluded between the two parties.

“It also stresses that this decision will not entail any financial compensation as is being circulated, with the exception of the payment of the monthly wages due only.

“Accordingly, the sports director and national coach, Mr. Amine Benhachem, has been assigned to lead the first team during this phase, with our sincere wishes for him and all the team’s components to succeed.”

Mokwena was hired by Wydad at the start of this season, and had hoped to lead the side at the Fifa World Club Cup later this year in the USA.

Wydad season flops

But the season has not gone to plan, with Wydad set to miss out on qualification for next season’s Caf Champions League.

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Mokwena is said to be the favourite to take over as Orlando Pirates head coach, with Spaniard Jose Riveiro leaving the Buccaneers at the end of this season.