Rulani Mokwena Breaks Silence After Wydad Exit Amid Links With Orlando Pirates Return

• Rulani Mokwena has broken his silence after Wydad Athletic Club confirmed his exit from the club after just one season with the Moroccan giants
• The former Mamelodi Sundowns sends message to the North African side's fans, board, and the staff as he expressed his joy to have worked for the club
• The South African tactician is also linked with a possible return to the Premier Soccer League with Orlando Pirates being the club showing interest in him

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has addressed his departure from Wydad Athletic Club amid strong speculation linking him with a return to Orlando Pirates next season.

The South African coach spent one season with the Moroccan giants, but was unable to deliver a league title or secure qualification for the CAF Champions League. Mokwena had been on leave for the last three Botola Professional League matches, during which Wydad secured three victories.

Despite missing out on the 2025-26 CAF Champions League, Mokwena guided Wydad to a third-place finish, a notable improvement from their sixth-place standing last season. The Red Castle will instead compete in the CAF Confederation Cup, alongside Kaizer Chiefs, who qualified after defeating Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.

Mokwena and Wydad Officially Part Ways

Mokwena and Wydad mutually agreed to part ways at the season’s end, with the club issuing an official statement on social media confirming the decision.

“Wydad Athletic Club and Coach Rulani Mokwena have reached a mutual decision to part ways with immediate effect,” the club announced.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Coach Mokwena and his technical team for their relentless effort, professionalism, and sacrifices throughout a demanding campaign.

"Their contribution has left a lasting legacy at the club. As we go our separate ways, both parties share deep respect and best wishes for success in the journeys ahead.”

The separation was amicable after just one season, during which Mokwena won 14 out of 35 matches.

Mokwena reacts to Wydad's exit

Mokwena expressed gratitude to Wydad fans and the club’s board, also wishing the team success in the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face English Premier League champions Manchester City.

“As I say goodbye, I carry unforgettable memories from Wydad, a club that will forever remain in my heart,” Mokwena said.

“I wish the team, staff, and fans tremendous success in the new season and the Club World Cup. May you continue to make history and inspire us all. Dima Wydad.”

Mokwena's record at Wydad

Rulani Mokwena managed 35 matches across all competitions during his tenure at Wydad Athletic Club. Of the 35 matches, he recorded 14 wins, 14 draws, and 7 losses.

In the Morocco Botola Pro league specifically, Wydad secured 11 victories, 12 draws, and 4 defeats under his leadership, amassing 45 points from 27 games.

While this represented an improvement from the previous season's sixth-place finish, the team concluded the 2024–25 season in third place.

Additionally, Wydad's early exits from the Throne Cup and the Excellence Cup highlighted inconsistencies in their performance.

Wydad's goal statistics under Mokwena were 49 goals scored and 32 conceded, indicating a relatively balanced offensive and defensive record.

However, Mokwena's inability to secure consistent wins and the pressure to deliver immediate success contributed to the decision to part ways.

Mokwena linked with Orlando Pirates Return

Rulani Mokwena is among the coaches being strongly linked with the vacant managerial role at Orlando Pirates ahead of the upcoming season.

The Soweto giants are currently in search of a new head coach following the departure of Spanish tactician Jose Riveiro, who is reportedly set to take charge of Al Ahly.

Mokwena, alongside former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, is considered one of the frontrunners for the job this summer.

The 38-year-old remains a popular figure in South African football and is believed to be a good replacement for Riveiro as they look to rebuild and challenge for major honours next season.

Chiefs legend slams Wydad fans over Mokwena abuse

Briefly News earlier reported that a Kaizer Chiefs legend blasts Wydad fans concerning the way they are treating Rulani Mokwena.

The former South African international publicly backed the ex-Sundowns coach, and made some revelations concerning the problems he's been facing in Morocco.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article.

Source: Briefly News