Rulani Mokwena survives Wydad axe but tough conditions set

Rulani Mokwena has survived yet another sacking at Wydad Athletic Club but he has some tough conditions that he must meet with the Moroccan giants.

Mokwena was on the brink of being dismissed following pressure from a section of fans after his team was eliminated from the Throne Cup, meaning they are out of contention for a trophy this season.

It added pressure on the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach with club president Hicham Ait Menna told to do away with the coach even before the season is out.

However, following a lengthy meeting with the board on Sunday, Wydad opted against cutting ties with the tactician over a number of reasons.

Why have Wydad opted to retain Rulani?

One of them being that sacking the coach now would be expensive given the money they would need to pay him in severance pay, funds Menna said the club does not have, while Mokwena also insisted he will not step down as he wants to continue his project.

The South African coach is backing himself to revive the fortunes of the fallen Moroccan giants and is believed not to be interested in engaging any other club as he is committed to his job in Casablanca.

However, Mokwena has been given an ultimatum to ensure his team secures second place in the league which will come with CAF Champions League qualification.

Mokwena in tough battle for second place

It will not be easy, however, for Mokwena and his team as Wydad are among five teams in with a chance of finishing second.

Nasreddine Nabi’s former team AS FAR occupy second place on 45 points, two ahead of Mokwena’s Wydad who are level on 43 points with FUS Rabat, while RCA Zemamra have 40 points in fifth place.

They will need to be consistent in their upcoming matches to get over their rivals as four straight draws between February and March dragged them behind.