Sometimes in football, it’s not about the trophies or the standings—it’s about whether things feel right.
That’s the tone former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena struck when he opened up about why he suddenly left Wydad Casablanca.
His exit raised eyebrows, especially since it happened well before the end of his contract, and with the club sitting comfortably near the top of the table.
A Promising Start That Ended Too Soon
Mokwena took over Wydad at the start of the 2024–25 season, stepping in shortly after being let go by Sundowns.
The move was seen as a fresh chapter for the 38-year-old coach, who came in with a two-year deal meant to run until 2026.
But less than a season into the job, things started to unravel.
While fans speculated about results or internal politics, the most shocking revelation was that Mokwena hadn’t been paid—for eight months straight.
Yes, He Wasn’t Paid. But That’s Not Why He Left
When reports first surfaced about unpaid wages, many assumed that must’ve been the final straw.
But Mokwena has now confirmed the rumors were true—he did go without a salary for eight months.
Still, he insists money wasn’t the reason he packed his bags.
“For me, football isn’t about money,” he said. “Of course, very few people can survive without a salary, but that wasn’t what drove my decision.”
His commitment, he explained, was more about the footballing project and whether there was mutual trust and alignment.
Results Weren’t the Problem Either
If you thought the issue was poor performance, think again.
Under Mokwena’s leadership, Wydad were sitting third on the log—far from disastrous.
In fact, he’d brought in nearly 30 new players in an ambitious attempt to rebuild and reinvigorate the squad.
“We tried to awaken this sleeping giant,” he reflected.
“And results, at least on the surface, were coming.”
When the Fit Just Isn’t There Anymore
Ultimately, Mokwena believes it was a mix of factors—on both sides—that led to the mutual decision to part ways. “It wasn’t working,” he admitted.
“Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the relationship just doesn’t click the way you hoped.”
The presence of his agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, in Morocco around the time the salary saga broke also didn’t help.
It added fuel to an already tense situation, and perhaps accelerated the breakdown in trust between coach and club.
What’s Next for Mokwena?
So, where does a coach like Mokwena go from here? That’s the big question.
He’s still young, still respected in African football, and clearly still full of ideas.
Whether he chooses to return to South Africa, take a break, or explore opportunities abroad, his next step will be closely watched.
One thing’s clear: for Mokwena, coaching isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about building something meaningful.
And if that foundation isn’t solid, he’s not afraid to walk away.