Mokwena: I Can Choose My Own Director

Jul 16, 2024 - 08:40 pm

By SL Journo

During an interview on Radio2000's GameOn, Mokwena explained that Wydad's president, Hicham Ait Menna, has put a hold on hiring for the position, entrusting Mokwena with the responsibility to select a suitable candidate.

"No, I don't have (a technical director to work under). You know what's also very interesting? The president showed me they were in negotiations with three technical directors, not sporting directors and he showed me the messages, (saying) 'sorry guys you'll have to be interviewed by the new coach, the coach must approve'," Mokwena told GameOn on Radio2000.

"It's crazy, so I don't have a sporting director, I don't have a technical director but whatever if we do get one it will be because we sat down and I interviewed him. That responsibility has been given to us to be able to choose.

"(Roberto) De Zerbi did it at Olympique Marseille and worldwide – the truth of the matter is that worldwide the sporting director works very closely in parallel with the coach or works under the coach. Sporting Director is never about the coach," he added.

This level of trust bestowed upon Mokwena comes after his departure from Sundowns, where he had a successful stint marked by domestic and continental achievements but also experienced conflicts, reportedly with the Sporting Director, Flemming Berg.

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Mokwena's new role at Wydad appears to offer him a fresh start and the freedom to mold the club's technical direction without interference. The approach to building his technical team and making new signings reflects a Premier League trend where managers are given broader responsibilities.

The coach also hinted at a possible reunion with veteran midfielder Bongani Zungu, who played a crucial role under Mokwena at Sundowns.

"I love Bongs, Bongs knows me, I know him. It's easier when you know the coach, the player knows you. There is a possibility. It's not to say that the door is open, the door is closed.

"He knows if he doesn't find anything, he knows my number and he can always contact me. He's someone that is very special to me," Mokwena said.

As the coach embarks on this new chapter at Wydad Casablanca, his enhanced role not only signifies a significant shift in his career but also underscores the evolving nature of coaching responsibilities in modern football.

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