sportskeeda
Wydad Athletic Club’s head coach Rulani Mokwena has openly recognized the intense rivalry present in the Moroccan top division, the Botola Pro League, after his team secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Mokwena’s team celebrated their second consecutive league victory with an emphatic 3-0 win against JS Soualem in their most recent match, where the rising star Oussama Zemraoui continued his impressive goal-scoring run.
Furthermore, Cassius Mailula played a crucial role by providing two assists. This win lifted Wydad to third place in the league standings, amassing 22 points, trailing RS Berkane by five points, who currently tops the table after 13 matches.
In addition, the Red Castle has maintained an unbeaten streak over their last five matches. After guiding his team through various challenges in achieving consistent performances since he took charge, the 37-year-old South African coach noted the intense competition within the Botola Pro, emphasizing the difficulty of securing back-to-back wins.
“The Botola is incredibly demanding, the quality of the teams is very competitive, and there isn’t a clear dominant team in the league. However, I take pride in our club’s humility; we recognize our current position, which is paramount,” Mokwena stated.
“A vital part of effective leadership is recognizing our current trajectory, which requires an understanding of our present situation. For the first time in a year, we are now achieving consecutive wins.
“This is the first instance in our club’s history of securing back-to-back victories within a year, and it is crucial that we overcome this milestone for the first time this season,” he remarked.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach also stressed the importance of patience in his effort to revitalize the club’s fortunes, cautioning that any progress will require considerable effort given the expectations surrounding the 22-time Moroccan champions.
“These small victories greatly enhance our confidence as we aim to restore the club, but we must remain humble and focused. The path ahead is long; this club is destined to be a significant force, with a rich legacy, prestige, and passionate supporters who have high expectations,” he cautioned.
“We should not let a single victory cloud our judgment; it is essential to maintain humility and stay grounded as we continue to work diligently as a team, delivering what our club and fans truly deserve.”
Eager to return to continental competition after a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, Wydad will be facing FAR Rabat on Thursday at Stade Municipal Kenitra. The Casablanca Giants are looking for their first win against Rabat in four league encounters.
