'I had to sometimes pay some of Wydad Casablanca players from my own pocket' - Ex-Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena reveals sacrifices and accusations about Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola

At the start of the 2024-25 season, Rhulani Mokwena was appointed to revive Wydad Casablanca’s fortunes.

Under his leadership, the team climbed to third place, earning a spot back in continental competition after missing out in the previous season, where they finished sixth on the Botola Pro standings.

Facing the challenge of rebuilding an entirely new squad, Mokwena has spoken openly about the sacrifices he made to turn things around.

“As a coach I was prepared to step down because there was a lot of talk,” Mokwena said on MSW.

“I remember one day I said to the president, ‘I cannot take it when I invest so much. I work so hard to bring so many players’. Almost all of them for free, and I had to sometimes, from my own pocket, pay some of the players, pay some of the staff, go and buy training equipment from my own pocket, and invest in the club.

“And then I have a vice president of the club asking me ‘do you love this club’. I would never subject myself to some of the things that happened, and still, be subjected to some of the treatment. That’s when I said to the president, maybe there’s a misalignment somewhere, and it would be better for me to step down. 

He concluded that he was accused of just wanting “to go and play Club World Cup and [see] Pep Guardiola and then he’ll be out.”

With Mokwena available in the coaching market, speculation has intensified around the possibility of him making a return to Pirates. 

The Buccaneers find themselves in the midst of a managerial search following the recent departure of Jose Riveiro, who is at Egyptian giants Al Ahly. 

Given Mokwena’s previous experience and connection with the Buccaneers, many believe he could be a strong candidate to take over the reins and guide the team into the next chapter.

Attention will be firmly focused on developments in the coming weeks leading up to the start of pre-season.