Moroccan football giants Wydad Casablanca have officially placed Rulani Mokwena on special leave, with the club confirming that his contract will be terminated following the conclusion of the Botola Pro League season.
Mokwena, 38, who joined Wydad amid high expectations, has endured a challenging stint in charge. With just one league fixture remaining, Wydad sit third on the log and can finish no higher, having failed to meet the club’s competitive ambitions.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Wydad confirmed Mokwena’s temporary departure, citing mental strain as a key reason.
“The board of directors of Wydad Athletic Club announces, at the request of the first-team coach, Rulani Mokwena, that he has been granted an exceptional leave extending beyond the team’s last match in the professional championship, due to the great psychological pressures he has experienced recently,” read the club’s statement.
The club also clarified that the contract termination will take effect immediately after the end of the season and stressed that no financial compensation beyond outstanding monthly wages will be paid.
“The Wydad Athletic Club management confirms that the termination of the contractual relationship with coach Rulani Mokwena will take place officially immediately after the end of the professional championship… This decision will not entail any financial compensation… except for the payment of the monthly wages due only,” the statement continued.
During Mokwena’s absence, sports director and national coach Amine Benhachem has been appointed interim head coach to oversee the team’s final league match.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician has yet to comment publicly on the developments. However, speculation is already swirling about his next move. Several reports have linked Mokwena with a possible return to South Africa, with Orlando Pirates emerging as one of the front-runners for his signature.
