Mokwena records first win as Wydad AC coach to send message to rivals

Published on by Willis Sob

The vocal tactician joined the North Africans a couple of weeks ago and his impact has already been seen.

South African coach Rulani Mokwena started his reign at Wydad Athletic Club with a 4-1 win over Tanzanian Premier League side Azam FC.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has been given the task of returning the team to the helm of Moroccan football after struggling to a sixth-place finish in the Botola Pro League. On Monday, the Red Castle gave the 37-year-old a great start with a confidence-installing win against the East Africans.

While Wydad AC were using the game to familiarize themselves with Mokwena's philosophy, Azam were using the match to prepare for the Caf Champions League after finishing second in their domestic league.

Spoils shared at half-time before Mokwena side runs riot

Cheick Sidibe scored the first goal of the match through a penalty after a foul was committed in the danger zone.

However, Azam fought back bravely and managed to ensure they got their equaliser before the end of the first half.

The North Africans came back stronger and managed to get their three goals courtesy of Mounir El Habach, Chouaib Faidi, and Mohamed El Ouardi.

Mokwena is still keen on strengthening his team and is identifying key players to help him achieve his objectives. One of the players he is eyeing is one Aziz Ki, but Yanga SC coach Miguel Gamondi stated the 28-year-old Burkina Faso international is going nowhere.

“It’s true Wydad made an offer [but] Stephane Aziz Ki is committed to our project,” the Argentinian told the media.

“You know he cannot move anywhere. Aziz is a fantastic player; he knows he needs to be in the right place as well this season where you can develop your capacity.  But for me, [there is] no way he can go; we are so quiet we work in silence and make the player happy.”

Mokwena records first win as Wydad AC coach to send message to rivals

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.