Rulani Mokwena could not have asked for a better time to gather his thoughts and recuperate than the Fifa international break, as he is under immense pressure at Wydad Athletic Club.
With the league already gone to RSB Berkane, who were crowned champions last weekend, Mokwena is now under pressure to deliver the last CAF Champions League spot that is up for grabs.
Wydad currently sits at position three with 43 points, two points behind second-placed AS FAR with just five games remaining until the end of the season.
Mokwena and his charges have been on an unfortunate run of form, with results not favouring them after recording a fourth consecutive draw on Sunday.
After taking a jab at the Red Castle supporters two weeks ago for throwing missiles inside the pitch, Mokwena had another episode in his recent press conference.
Style of play questioned
The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor defended himself once again after his style of play was questioned by some Wydad fans and media organisations.
Mokwena went as far as putting his head on the block, saying that the Wydad president Hicham Ait Menna could relieve him of his duties if the club was not happy with the job.
“If I’m the problem, I give the president [Ait Menna] and the board full responsibility to relieve me from my duties,” he said.
“I don’t want to hold Wydad back. If Wydad feel they can do better without me, believe me, I love this club too much to be a problem.”
“Let’s not question our style of play. You saw the chances we created, but we have not won one game in the last four matches, which is not good enough.”
My intention is to stay at Wydad
He continued: “When you bring me to Wydad, you bring me with a certain style of play, and I’ll never abandon my style of play. I’m sorry. I worked very hard as a coach to build, study, and research what works.
“And it has worked for me in the past, and I’m sure it will work here, but it needs a little bit of time.
“I’m in a position where I love the club so much, and I can tell you that if I’m the problem for Wydad, I’ll be the first one to ask for permission to go back to South Africa.”
The 38-year-old emphasised the timing and importance of the international break, stating that he will be discussing a lot of things with the club.
“We have an important break, and we have a lot of things to discuss, and of course, the media will discuss the future of the coach, and that’s okay.
“You have to understand that I’m here for three years; my contract ends in 2027; my intention is to stay here as long as I can, but to stay, you need results.”
