South African coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed why he opted to join Wydad Athletic Club instead of their big rivals, Raja Athletic Club and AS FAR.
Wydad slipped to third in the 2024/25 Botola Pro 1 table following their third successive draw after a 2-2 stalemate against FUS Rabat on Sunday.
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The result leaves Wydad 17 points adrift of log leaders RS Berkane, with the race for the Moroccan title increasingly becoming out of reach.
Speaking after the draw against FUS Rabat on Sunday, Mokwena urged the Wydad supporters to continue backing the team, as the passion of the fans was what brought him to the club in the first place, instead of going elsewhere.
Mokwena said, according to Elbotola: "Moubarik's injury affected the team, and Ramadan is honestly tough—the rhythm is not the same as on normal days."
"We are a new team with 26 new players, and we are fighting to reach the Champions League. Ten matches ago, we were not in this position, yet we have managed to climb to the top spots. I wonder, why don't we receive more support?"
"I understand the desire to qualify for the Champions League, and I know how it feels not to make it. I have played in the semi-finals twice, and I had the opportunity to coach clubs that compete in the Champions League."
"However, I chose Wydad because when I played against them, I saw how much the fans love their team."
"That is why I did not go to AS FAR or Raja—I chose Wydad. At half-time, I saw Bouhrra devastated, and as a coach, when I see my players like that, I ask myself, why don't they receive greater support?"
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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