It is official: Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club made the much-anticipated announcement of Rulani Mokwena as the new head coach on Thursday.
“Welcome on-board coach Rulani Mokwena! Ready to lead us to victory,” Wydad wrote across all their official social media platforms.
Mokwena is said to have penned a three-year deal in less than three weeks after parting ways with DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Sundowns mentor turned down other offers from ASFAR, USM Alger, and CR Belouizdad for the Botola Pro giants.
According to reports, Mokwena will be allowed to bring along his technical team, which will be confirmed in due course.
Mokwena will likely be joined by former Sundowns DStv Diski Challenge coach Sinethemba Badela and analyst Michael Loftman.
The 37-year-old follows in the footsteps of South Africa’s most decorated coach, Pitso Mosimane. He joined the North African team Al Ahly in Egypt after leaving Sundowns.
One of Mokwena’s mandates will be to ensure that Wydad returns to the Caf Champions League stage. This after their disastrous season in the Botala Pro League, where they finished outside of the Caf positions.
Mokwena will also be tasked with leading the Moroccan giants at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament is set to take place in the US next year.
