Rulani Mokwena’s future with Wydad Athletic Club remains uncertain amid prolonged financial and contractual disputes that have reportedly left him unpaid for eight months.
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According to SABC Sport, the South African coach, who was appointed by the Moroccan giants in July last year after his unexpected departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, now faces a critical decision.
This week, discussions will determine whether Mokwena departs immediately or remains in charge for the remaining five matches in the Botola Pro League.
Mokwena signed a contract with Wydad Athletic that was originally set to run until June 2027, and his arrival in Casablanca was welcomed amid high expectations. However, the optimism quickly faded as he encountered significant challenges off the pitch.
It has emerged, according to South African reports, that his salary has reportedly not been paid since his appointment, forcing him to pay for additional equipment out of his own pocket. The problem extends to his backroom staff as well, with veteran coach Allan Freese, Sinethemba Badela, and goalkeeper coach Sean Louw also reportedly left without remuneration.
Despite advice from legal experts, Mokwena has not given his representatives the go-ahead to approach FIFA to address what is being described as a breach of contract by Wydad Athletic Club.
This has added another layer of uncertainty to a situation that is already under intense scrutiny from both supporters and the media.
The controversy is compounded by recent on-field setbacks. While the club’s rivals RS Berkane secured the league title last month with several games to spare, Wydad still has a chance to secure a CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup slot.
However, frustrations among supporters have escalated, particularly after the team’s elimination from the Throne Cup in the round of 16 by MA Tetouan. This loss has further fueled criticism and put additional pressure on Mokwena’s position.
Wydad Athletic, which had been operating under a transfer ban until a last-minute payment allowed them to lift the ban and sign 22 players, now faces tough internal debates.
Sources close to the club indicate that Mokwena’s representatives are expected to travel to Casablanca for urgent, high-stakes negotiations. If Mokwena decides to remain at the club, Wydad must commit to settling their long-standing debt, or risk further intervention from FIFA.
As the situation unfolds, the case of Mokwena serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved when a club’s ambitions on the pitch are undermined by off-field financial disputes.
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