Wydad Casablanca head coach Rulani Mokoena has made it clear he will not be forced out of the club, insisting he will depart with dignity at the end of the season.
The South African tactician is under increasing scrutiny following a string of poor results that has left the Moroccan giants in third place in the Botola Pro standings and out of the Throne Cup.
Wydad’s recent 1-1 draw with arch-rivals Raja Casablanca extended their run to five consecutive league draws and intensified speculation about Mokoena’s future.
The club sits on 44 points from 26 matches, with their hopes of qualifying for next season’s CAF Champions League hanging in the balance.
Adding to the tension, Wydad were eliminated from the Throne Cup last week following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco El Tetouani — a result that further compounded the frustrations of fans and club officials alike.
Mokoena, who joined Wydad from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the season, has so far overseen 11 wins, 11 draws and 4 defeats in the league. However, the lack of progress and inconsistencies have fuelled calls from some quarters for his early exit.
Speaking after the derby against Raja, Mokoena addressed the speculation and reaffirmed his commitment to completing the season professionally.
“My situation at the club is difficult because of the results, which is normal in a big team,” he said.
“I’m a coach who takes risks to win, and if it’s not enough, it’s acceptable. I will finish the season and I will leave Wydad through the front door, not the back. I will leave with great respect for the people of Morocco and the club.”
Mokoena’s stance comes amid reports of financial difficulties at Wydad. According to SABC Sport, the coach and his technical staff have not received their full salaries in eight months.
His agent, Steve Kapelushnik, confirmed that only partial payments have been made and described the situation as “difficult.”
Despite internal pressures and external criticism, Mokoena maintains he will remain professional and will not be pushed out prematurely.
“Some people may want me to leave before the end of the season, but I will go with honour and respect when the time is right,” he added.
