Turning Wydad to Chelsea: 37-year-old South African coach warned after crazy 15 new signings at Moroccan giants

Rulani Mokwena is the new boss at Wydad.

Turning Wydad to Chelsea: 37-year-old South African coach warned after crazy 15 new signings at Moroccan giants

10:44 - 28.08.2024

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach is making Wydad his team after signing no fewer than 15 players ahead of the new season.

Wydad AC have made a major statement of intent this summer, appointing South African coach Rulani Mokwena and backing him with a flurry of new signings.

However, the 37-year-old has been warned that he must deliver success after the Moroccan giants invested heavily in the squad.

Mokwena, who departed his role at Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, has been tasked with leading Wydad Casablanca in the upcoming season.

The agreement was sealed to address a disappointing campaign for the club in both the Moroccan League and the Throne Cup.

New boss at Wydad, Rulani Mokwena.
New boss at Wydad, Rulani Mokwena.

Mokwena, having already achieved significant success during his two-year tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns, is highly rated in Africa as a coach.

Under his guidance, the club won two league titles and a South African Cup, as well as victory in the inaugural African Football League, defeating his now employers Wydad Casablanca in the final.

Mamelodi Sundowns lift their AFL, one of Motsepe's initiatives to help clubs financially, title. (Photo Credit: Sundowns/X)

Ahead of his debut season in Morocco, Mokwena has wasted no time in rebuilding the Wydad squad to his liking. The South African coach has overseen the signing of no fewer than 15 new players this summer, including the likes of Pedrinho from Brazil and South African youngster Cassius Mailula.

Mokwena is also reportedly in negotiations to bring in Moha Moukhlis from the Barcelona academy, as well as two strikers, a midfielder, and a right-back.

Wydad Casablanca | COURTESY

However, the club's fans have made it clear that they will not accept any excuses from the new coach.

One supporter commented: "Pretty much the same number as the new signings. So these are replacements. The man made sure he gets his team. So no excuses when it's time to deliver."

Former Mamelodi Sundowns boss, Rulani Mokwena lifted by his players after the win. (Photo Credit: AFL/x)

Another fan added: "Signing 15 players is a crazy business. I hope he succeeds - he can't have so much support and fumble."

With the backing of the Wydad hierarchy and a squad that has been significantly strengthened, the pressure is on Mokwena to deliver success in his debut season.

Failure to do so could see the South African coach come under intense scrutiny from the club's demanding supporters.