Analysis: Rulani Mokwena was right: Wydad AC thriving after his exit

Mailula and Mokwena (right): Photo Credit: Wydad AC Facebook.

Coach Rulani Mokwena’s exit at Wydad Athletic Club (AC) has dramatically changed the Moroccan side’s fortunes. The Botola Pro League side has now won back-to-back league games, the latest being a 2-0 win over JS Soualem on Thursday.

This contrasts with the eight-game league winless run that Wydad AC witnessed under Rulani Mokwena before he left two weeks ago. The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach took with him compatriots Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula to Morocco.

Even in the absence of Rulani Mokwena, the duo has hit top form. Lorch was on target the previous week, and on Thursday, it was the turn of Mailula to score an absolute beauty. He twisted and turned past a forest of defenders before curling his effort into the net during the game against JS Soualem.

In two games, the Reds have collected six points, just two shy of the eight points the club realized under Rulani Mokwena in the eight games. Wydad AC’s next league game is against RCA Zemamra on Sunday, May 11, 2025, before taking on Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup on June 18, 2025.

The change in Wydad AC’s fortunes perhaps echoes Mokwena words that "Wydad is a big club, and they deserve to win, and maybe they deserve a better coach than me.”

The 38-year-old joined the Moroccan giants last year after parting ways with Sundowns.