The pressure is mounting for Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rhulani Mokoena, with reports emerging that the South African tactician has gone unpaid for eight months — adding another layer of tension to an already turbulent stint in North Africa.
According to SABC Sport, Mokoena’s representatives have travelled to Morocco for urgent talks with Wydad’s hierarchy in a bid to resolve the salary impasse. Despite the prolonged non-payment, it is understood that Mokoena has not granted his team the green light to escalate the matter to FIFA — a decision that speaks volumes about his continued hope for an amicable resolution.
Appointed in July 2024 following his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena’s tenure at the Moroccan giants has been anything but smooth. Beyond the financial struggles, he has also had to contend with inconsistent performances on the pitch, early cup elimination, and growing scrutiny from the club’s supporters and media.
The issue of unpaid wages reportedly extends to his technical staff, including assistant coaches Allan Freese and Sinethemba Badela, as well as goalkeeper coach Sean Louw. Mokoena has reportedly had to dip into his own pocket to fund training equipment, further underscoring the level of strain he’s faced since joining the Botola Pro side.
Wydad currently sit fourth in the league standings, with RS Berkane having already clinched the title. The club’s only path to salvaging their season now lies in securing a CAF Champions League spot — a goal that requires them to win all five of their remaining fixtures.
As speculation intensifies, Mokoena recently stoked the fire when he publicly challenged the club to dismiss him if they weren’t satisfied with his performance. That statement, paired with the latest revelations, has only fuelled doubts about whether he will remain at the helm beyond this campaign.
Wydad are set to face arch-rivals Raja Casablanca on April 12 in a fixture that may carry far more weight than just three points — it could define Mokoena’s future at the club.
