By Dylan Bettencourt
- Rulani Mokwena has taken early leave from Wydad Casablanca, saying the pressure had become too much to handle.
- The South African coach will leave officially after the season ends and will only get his monthly salary.
Rulani Mokwena’s time in Morocco is coming to an early end. The South African coach has been put on special leave by Wydad Casablanca and will officially leave the club after the season ends.
The club said Mokwena asked to leave early because he was under “great psychological pressure”.
In a statement, Wydad said: “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.”
The club said he will only be paid his normal salary and nothing extra when he leaves.
“Termination of the contractual relationship… will take place officially immediately after the end of the professional championship… with the exception of the payment of the monthly wages due only,” said the club.
Mokwena was hired this season and had hoped to take the team to the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
But Wydad’s poor form means they won’t even play in next season’s CAF Champions League.
For now, the team’s sporting director, Amine Benhachem, will take charge.
Back in South Africa, Mokwena is already being linked with a return to Orlando Pirates. Current Pirates coach José Riveiro will leave at the end of the season.
Pictured above: Rulani Mokwena.
Image source: @WydadRedCastle
