Rulani Mokwena’s coaching genius is clearly not limited by space.
The young South African coach proved his prowess at the weekend when he guided Wydad Casablanca to a commanding 5-1 victory over Chabab Mohammedia, all while not even being present in Morocco. Mokwena was back home following the death of his beloved grandmother but managed to influence his team virtually, with reports suggesting that he had a significant role in determining the starting line-up for the match.
This resounding victory had substantial implications, propelling Wydad from fourth to second place in the Botola Pro after 21 matches. With nine rounds remaining in the campaign, Mokwena finds himself well-positioned to help the Moroccan giants return to the CAF Champions League, a tournament they missed last season.
Wydad's win allowed them to surpass both AS FAR Rabat and Renaissance Zemamre, who occupied higher spots prior to the weekend's matches. They currently sit on 39 points, two points clear of both rivals after Zemamre fell to runaway leaders RS Berkane, who are surely champions-elect, and FAR suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Rabat derby against FUS.
Given their poor showing last season, Wydad will undoubtedly be thrilled at the prospect of returning to the CAF Champions League, and it seems Mokwena will assist them in achieving that goal, despite a rocky start in his new position. However, winning the championship appears unlikely, as Berkane sits a massive 12 points ahead with nine fixtures left to play.
The weekend's victory also saw South Africa’s Cassius Mailula get on the scoresheet, while his compatriot Thembinkosi Lorch made a late appearance in the match, continuing to acclimatise to his new surroundings after joining from Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window.
Mailula will be eager to maintain his fine form, hoping to catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who is set to announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho in Polokwane late next month and away to Benin in a neutral venue.
Looking ahead, Wydad will face a home clash against 10th-placed CODM, a match they are expected to win to consolidate their hold on second place as the season approaches its climax.
In another notable event, Elias Mokwana was also on the scoresheet in Tunisia, where Esperance secured a 2-0 victory against Stade Tunisien in the Tunisian Super Cup, with Mokwana scoring the opening goal just before the hour mark.