Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena has come out in defence of his recent decisions as scrutiny intensifies over the team’s faltering push for CAF Champions League qualification.
The South African tactician is facing increasing pressure after a 1-1 draw in the Casablanca derby against rivals Raja left the club sitting seventh in the league table with 38 points.
With Wydad now at risk of missing out on African continental competitions next season, questions have been raised over tactical choices and player selections.
However, Mokwena remains undeterred and committed to seeing out the campaign.
“It will be difficult to win matches, but that’s normal at a big club. I take risks to win,” he stated, standing by his philosophy and methods.
Mokwena, who joined Wydad with the hope of guiding them back to continental glory, confirmed he would depart at the end of the season, but emphasized that he would do so respectfully.
“I will leave with respect for the club and its supporters,” he added.
Despite the club’s current position, Mokwena has not given up hope of securing a Champions League berth, insisting that qualification remains mathematically possible.
He believes Wydad’s performance against the reigning champions in the derby was a signal of the team’s potential.
“We are in control of our destiny,” he stressed, pointing to the remaining fixtures as opportunities to turn the season around.
Tensions came to the surface during the post-match press conference when Mokwena was questioned about the notable absence of Saifeddine Bouhra from the derby squad.
His response was pointed. “I make the decisions, let me take responsibility for them,” he said, taking a direct shot at what he described as relentless criticism from the local media.
The coach also addressed his recent decision to step back from social media, citing the overwhelming noise and constant external opinions as disruptive.
“I must follow my own convictions to make the decisions I deem right, whether they lead to victory or not,” Mokwena said, reaffirming his belief in his methods amid the storm of opinions surrounding him.
With just a handful of matches remaining, Mokwena’s time at Wydad may be drawing to a close, but he appears determined to navigate the final stretch on his own terms—undaunted by pressure and resolute in his vision.
