Ex-Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch scores his first goal for Wydad AC as Rhulani Mokwena defends himself - 'I will never abandon my style of play'

Former Orlando Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch was on the score sheet for Wydad AC during a Botola Pro game against Ittihad Tanger on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

The South African scored in the 30th minute before the home side equalised with Haytham El Bahja's 78th-minute goal.

This is another instance in which Rhulani Mokwena's side dropped crucial points as they chase a slot in the CAF Champions League.

After the clash, the eloquent South African coach absolved his playstyle from any blame and said they created a lot of chances. To Mokwena, he needs a little bit of time to have his style, which he says worked perfectly before, to work with the Moroccan giants.

However, Mokwena has also signalled the club that he is ready to leave if he is seen as the problem.

"When you bring me to Wydad, you bring me with a certain style of play, and I will never abandon my style of play,” Mokwena said to the media.

“I’m sorry. I have worked very hard as a coach to build, to study, and to research what works.

“It worked for me in the past, and I am sure it will work here. It needs a little bit of time, but I must tell you, I’m at the position where I love the club so much, and I can tell you, ‘Guys, if I am the problem for Wydad, believe me, I will be the first one to ask for permission to go back to South Africa.’

“If I am the problem, I give the president and the board full responsibility to relieve me from duties, if I am the problem," he added.

“I don’t want to hold Wydad back. If Wydad feels they can be better without me, then believe me, I love this club too much to be the problem. That is it.

“Let’s not question the style of play. I mean, you saw the chances we had; we should have scored, but that has nothing to do with the style of play," Mokwena concluded.

With 43 points, the same as fifth-placed FUS Rabat, Wydad remain fourth, two fewer than the second-placed FAR Rabat, with five games remaining.

Their last win came against bottom-placed Chabab Mohammedia on February 16, and these results put Mokwena's job in a very precarious position.

With Mokwena's side desperately fighting for a chance to win a continental slot, RS Berkane have already won the league title. 60 points from 25 games were enough to win the Orange Boys the title, with a whopping 15 points separating them from their closest rivals.

The new Moroccan champions, who needed a point to secure their first-ever league title, were held to a 1-1 draw by UTS Rabat.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician is expected to be under an immense spotlight, given the pressure he faces at his club.

If he fails to take the team to the Champions League next season, supporters will be keen to see whether the club will keep him.