When Rulani Mokwena made the move to Morocco to take charge of Wydad Casablanca, many saw it as a bold new chapter for the young South African coach.

Just months earlier, he had been shown the door by Mamelodi Sundowns—despite a strong run with the club—and fans were curious to see how he’d fare on a new continent.

But now, less than a season into his two-year deal, Mokwena’s time at Wydad has ended just as quickly as it began.

And according to him, there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Unpaid Wages? Yes. But That’s Not Why He Left

As whispers swirled in recent months about Mokwena allegedly not being paid for eight straight months, the man himself has now confirmed those reports were indeed true.

Still, Mokwena insists that money wasn’t the main reason he packed his bags.

“Yes, I wasn’t getting paid,” he admitted, “but football is not about money for me. That’s never been my focus.”

For most people, going unpaid for that long would be a deal-breaker—but Mokwena says his decision to leave was driven by something deeper.

Results Weren’t the Problem Either

Many would assume a coach’s early exit is about poor results.

But Mokwena doesn’t buy into that theory either.

At the time of his departure, Wydad were sitting comfortably in third place on the log—a respectable standing, especially considering the major squad rebuild he had overseen.

He had brought in nearly 30 new players, aiming to revitalize what he called a “sleeping giant” of African football.

While the team wasn’t topping the table, they weren’t floundering either.

A Relationship That Just Wasn’t Working

So, if it wasn’t money or results, what was it?

According to Mokwena, it came down to a mix of factors that created a rift between him and the club.

In his words, both parties eventually realized “the relationship just wasn’t working.”

Tensions apparently escalated when his agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, flew into Morocco around the same time the salary issues went public.

Mokwena believes that move may have rubbed Wydad the wrong way and contributed to an already strained situation.

What’s Next for Rulani?

At just 38, Mokwena is still young by coaching standards and remains one of the most talked-about figures in South African football.

His ability to navigate top-tier teams and his bold tactical mind mean he won’t be without opportunities for long.

Where he lands next is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure—he’s not done yet.