Wydad’s missed deadline ends Elias Mokwana transfer hopes

Wydad Athletic Club failed to submit the required paperwork for Elias Mokwana before their transfer window closed, ending the Bafana Bafana winger’s proposed move to Morocco.

Mokwana, 27, is a free agent after ending his spell with Esperance Sportive de Tunis. He had been in talks with the Casablanca club over a move to the Moroccan capital, with negotiations advancing earlier this week.

The transfer appeared likely to be completed, but Wydad did not meet the deadline for filing the necessary documents. Sources have confirmed that registering new players becomes “complicated” once the window has closed.

Mokwana’s next move is now uncertain, although there has been interest from clubs in several countries. Sources have told iDiski Times that contact has been made by teams in Algeria, Egypt, Libya and South Africa.

It is not yet clear what happened between the player and Wydad after discussions had progressed towards a potential agreement.

Wydad had also reportedly pursued former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Percy Tau in recent weeks. However, the former Bafana Bafana vice-captain is understood to have rejected the Moroccan club’s approach.

Mokwana spent time with Esperance Sportive de Tunis before moving on after making 38 appearances for the Tunisian side. He scored seven goals and provided four assists during that period.

The winger then spent last season on loan in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hazem.

Report by Lorenz Kohler