Rhulani Mokwena reveals the tribulations he faced in North Africa with Wydad Casablanca - 'Noise became so much... people would appreciate having a Moroccan coach'

Following his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns, Rhulani Mokwena was confirmed as the new Wydad Athletic Club coach.

It was a massive step for the South African who had initially managed Orlando Pirates and Chippa United, but on an interim basis.

The move to Morocco was also another learning curve for the 38-year-old who had won two Premier Soccer League titles and the African Football League with Masandawana.

Having finished sixth on the table in the 2023/24 season, Mokwena had a massive challenge to help Wydad not only get back to the Caf competitions, but also challenge for the Botola Pro League.

Mokwena did not have a good outing in domestic competitions and fell short in his bid to conquer the Moroccan top-flight

His relationship with the fans was not good, and the parties eventually decided to end their partnership on mutual consent.

After his return to Mzansi, the tactician has painted a vivid picture of what happened in Morocco.

“The noise became so much for the president, he stalled and tried to convince people that we are in a project, and they said we signed 29 players, but we needed to sign. There were only two players left,” the tactician told Soccer Africa.

“There was a transfer ban. I didn’t know there was chaos. I did not know all the players had left. One would come for training today, and the next day they would be gone, and next week five would go due to the ban.

“People believed in our abilities, but the feeling I got is that Morocco is extremely patriotic," Mokwena added.

"There is a very strong love and hate relationship with [Morocco national team coach Walid] Regragui, but there is some pride that one of them took them to the semi-final of the World Cup.

“The feeling I got is that people would appreciate having a Moroccan coach taking Wydad to the Club World Cup. 

“I respect it because it makes sense, but how it was done is what does not make sense. In 2025, we were unbeaten, and I do believe we were onto something, the players were more comfortable, but I respect the deep sense of patriotism," he concluded.

Mokwena is currently a free agent and ready for another challenge, including Orlando Pirates, who are in the market for a new coach after Jose Riveiro's exit.

He also has an option to try with another team out of the country, with Zamalek also linked with him.