Leaving Wydad Casablanca my biggest career regret – Rulani Mokwena admits

Newly appointed Pyramids FC head coach Rulani Mokwena has admitted that leaving Wydad Casablanca at the end of last season is the biggest regret of his coaching career.

The South African made the revelation during his official unveiling as Pyramids coach in Cairo on Tuesday, reflecting on his short but significant spell with the Moroccan giants.

Mokwena joined Wydad in 2024 after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, taking charge of one of Africa’s most decorated clubs and leading the team during a period of significant transition.

Although his time in Casablanca ultimately ended earlier than expected, Mokwena said he has no regrets about the relationships he built with the players and believes those bonds remain strong.

“I have one regret in my life, which is that I left Wydad Casablanca at the end of the season,” Mokwena said during his unveiling.

“Despite that, my relationship with the Moroccan players is now good and strong.”

His comments underline the emotional connection he developed with the Wydad squad, despite the difficulties he encountered during his time at the club.

Mokwena’s departure from Wydad came after a challenging campaign, with the coach facing pressure as results failed to meet the expectations surrounding one of Morocco’s biggest clubs.

The 39-year-old now begins a new chapter in Egypt with Pyramids, a club that has emerged as a major force in African football and recently enjoyed success on the continental stage.

His appointment represents another important step in Mokwena’s coaching career, which has seen him rise from an assistant role at Sundowns to becoming one of the most prominent young coaches in African football.

At Pyramids, he will be expected to build on the foundations established by previous coaches while competing for domestic honours and continental success.

Mokwena also arrives with considerable experience of African club football. His spell at Sundowns included success in the CAF Champions League and other continental competitions, while his subsequent move to Wydad gave him the opportunity to work outside South Africa for the first time as a head coach.

The move to Pyramids gives him another opportunity to prove himself outside his home country.

The South African will now turn his attention to Pyramids and the task of delivering success in Egypt.