Master vs. Mentor: Mokwena faces his football idol in Fifa Club World Cup showdown - 'It's a great opportunity to play against three great opponents'

The highly anticipated Ffia Club World Cup draw took place on Thursday evening, December 5, in the USA, and it delivered some thrilling matchups for players and coaches worldwide.

Among the standout clashes is Wydad Casablanca, led by Rhulani Mokwena, facing Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola.

This match has sparked excitement across South Africa and the continent, as Mokwena's coaching philosophy is notably influenced by Guardiola's.

The 37-year-old South African coach shared his reaction to the draw on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

The clash presents Mokwena a chance to showcase his tactical acumen on a global stage against one of football’s greatest minds.

Fans and analysts are eager to see how Mokwena’s Wydad will fare against the reigning English champions.

The game is not just a meeting of clubs but a test of coaching ideologies.

Mokwena’s rapid rise in the footballing world has been a source of pride for many in South Africa.

With the tournament six months away, anticipation is building for this monumental encounter.

It’s a defining moment for Mokwena and an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on global football.

"What an incredible evening. A memorable event for the biggest football spectacle and what an incredibly historic moment for the club. It's a great opportunity to play against three great opponents with some of the best players and best coaches in the world. Al Ain are no easy match either; they have some players who’ve played for teams in Morocco, so they will know our team really well. But we are optimistic and hope to keep working on getting better and stronger. The biggest win is the Wydad that will emerge after the Club World Cup, after such a great experience," Mokwena wrote on his Instagram account.

The Fifa Club World Cup is set to take place in six months, giving Mokwena time to prepare.

His immediate focus is ensuring Wydad Casablanca performs well in domestic competitions.

After a challenging start to his tenure in Morocco, he is beginning to find his rhythm.

He has emphasised the importance of securing continental football qualification for the club.

Mokwena’s long-term vision is to solidify Wydad as a dominant force both domestically and in Africa.

Wydad Casablanca’s next game is against JS Soualem as they aim to climb the league standings.

Currently in fourth place with 19 points from 12 games, they are working to close the gap on the leaders.

Mokwena will focus on securing consistency and building momentum in domestic fixtures.

A win against JS Soualem would bolster their position in the league table.

Wydad's immediate goal is to strengthen their campaign and maintain competitiveness across all fronts.