Before taking the helm at Wydad Casablanca, newly appointed head coach Rulani Mokwena has surprisingly revealed he had turned down an offer from a PSL club.
Moroccan giants, Wydad recently secured Mokwena's services after he abruptly parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks ago. The North African side is hoping that the 37-year-old tactician will turn things around with the club having not been doing well lately.
Rulani Mokwena has disclosed that before taking the Wydad job, he was offered a coaching position by DStv Premiership club Richards Bay FC. For many, this may not come as a surprise, particularly considering Richards Bay's recent financial windfall of R100 million from new sponsor Phakwe Gas.
Mokwena says he declined the offer because he couldn't bring himself to coach against his former team, Mamelodi Sundowns due to relationships he has with his former players.
WHY RULANI MOKWENA REJECTED A PSL CLUB JOB?
“It was a good offer from Richards Bay but I just couldn’t stay in South Africa and go up against Sundowns as a coach,” Mokwena said on Metro FM during the SportsNightAmplified with Andile Ncube on Wednesday.
“One of the reasons actually why I left South Africa and knowing that Wydad is not in the Champions League, too, I wasn’t looking forward to play Sundowns.
“Not because of the team and things but because of emotional connotation and it would’ve been very difficult for me to be on the opposite bench and see some of the players.
“One of the big motivations for me was to try and leave the country, because the bond that I have with some of these players would’ve made it very, very difficult for me to be on the opposite side.
“I’d probably have to ask the doctor to give me a sick note for this match.”
