Rhulani Mokwena named Morocco giants Wydad head coach just seven days after Sundowns exit

Exactly one week after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns as head coach, Rhulani Mokwena is set to embark on a new challenge in North Africa.

READ | Mokwena opens up, details shock Sundowns exit: 'My hand was forced'

The 37-year-old has been appointed as the new head coach of Morocco's football giants, Wydad Athletic Club, as they gear up for the 2024/25 season.

"Welcome aboard, Coach Rhulani Mokwena! Ready to lead us to victory," Wydad announced on their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Welcome aboard, Coach Rhulani Mokwena! Ready to lead us to victory! ???#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/mEyhXUZKoF

MAKING WAVES ABROAD! ??Rulani Mokwena touches down in Morocco as the new coach of Wydad Casablanca! ??????????#RulaniMokwena #WydadCasablancaVideo credit @elbotola pic.twitter.com/N1uqc6K4a6

Rulani Mokwena ???????? ?????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????????? ???? Welcome to your new home Mister ???? pic.twitter.com/RVCj7Xnij2

The Botola Pro giants endured a tough season, finishing outside the top four and losing the final of the inaugural African Football League to Sundowns, ironically under Mokwena's leadership.

Additionally, they failed to progress past the group stages of the CAF Champions League, leading to the dismissal of coaches Adil Ramzi and Faouzi Benzarti.

ALSO READ | 'Endings are new beginnings in disguise': Bye Sundowns, emotional Mokwena pens heartfelt letter

Mokwena's availability attracted interest from numerous clubs across Africa, but it was the Wydad project that made the most sense to him.

His journey in Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaching began as an assistant at Sundowns (2014-2017), with stints at Orlando Pirates and Chippa United before he returned to