Wydad Athletic make announcement on Rulani Mokwena
Mokwena did not take charge of Wydad's last three games as they ended third in the top flight Botola, though an official announcement he was leaving was reportedly delayed over details to be ironed out or disagreements over how to terminate the remainder of his three-year contract.
Third place might not be considered so poor a finish for a team that placed sixth in 2023-24 and has reportedly had financial troubles. However results could not come consistently enough for Wydad's management as they seek a return to Champions League football for the 2017 and 2021-22 winners and 2018-19 and 2022-23 runners-up.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
‘He listened to us': Pirates fans praise Ouaddou for his team selection
Orlando Pirates supporters were pleased with the team's starting eleven following their 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday. ADVERTISEMENT Downs opened the scoring with Teboho Mokoena but a late equaliser from Kamogrlo Sebelele saved Bucs' blushes. The draw gives Sundowns an advantage; however, Pirates will feel confident given how they played, especially in the second half. After the draw, Pirates fans praised Ouaddou for fielding experienced players. The Moroccan coach started the match with only three new signings and it paid off as Sebelebele, Lebone Seema and Sihle Nduli were effective around the more experienced players. 'This should be the starting 11 for majority of the games, except for Seema when Sibisi/Ndah returns, Mbule and Dlamini should always be used as impact players, the coach seems to be getting it right, he keeps it like this, Pirates are back,' tweeted @Vusumuzi23Vusi. 'I did say the Coach will be given a starting 11. This is Pirates!!! #OnceAlways Welcome back Mbatha!!!' tweeted @KhethaD23. ADVERTISEMENT Pirates Fans happy with Ouaddou…for now 'He listened to us the Orlando Pirates faithful this was a better lineup than the last two,' tweeted @SirRoyzen. @Katlego_Leko wrote: 'Pirates don't need unnecessary trial and error with the right starting 11 locked in, this team has enough quality to run through the PSL and remind everyone why the Ghosts are a powerhouse.' Can Pirates win the MTN8? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
eNCA
8 hours ago
- eNCA
Newcastle held by 10-man Villa after Konsa sees red
NEWCASTLE - Newcastle got a worrying glimpse of life without Alexander Isak as they were held to a 0-0 draw in their Premier League opener at Aston Villa despite Ezri Konsa's dismissal. Villa defender Konsa was sent off for a professional foul on Anthony Gordon midway through the second half on Saturday. But Newcastle were unable to take advantage in a toothless display that showed why they are so desperate to keep hold of Isak. The Sweden striker was not involved against Villa after reportedly telling the club he wants to leave to join Premier League champions Liverpool. Isak, 25, was the subject of a rejected £110 million ($149 million) bid from Liverpool earlier this month. "I don't think we dominated, chance-wise, the way we wanted. We were maybe a little bit too anxious to score," Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said. "If you're not totally together in the Premier League, you're going to find it very difficult, but I think we answered a few questions today in terms of our spirit." Isak, who helped Newcastle secure Champions League qualification and end their 56-year trophy drought last season, is reportedly refusing to train or play in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022. He did not take part in Newcastle's pre-season tour, training alone at his former club in Spain instead. Gordon led the line in Isak's absence as the England winger started out of position in the centre of Newcastle's three-man attack. Anthony Elanga made his Newcastle debut after the winger's £55 million ($74 million) move from Nottingham Forest, while Malick Thiaw, a defender signed from AC Milan, was among the substitutes. Without Isak to power their attack, Newcastle were unable to make their territorial dominance count as Howe was left hoping for a swift resolution to the transfer saga, which could run until the window closes in September. "From my perspective, you want a resolution quickly. It's taking away the focus of the players and the supporters," Howe said. "We want to be united together. We'd like a resolution, but we're not in control of that." - Profligate Newcastle - Villa boss Unai Emery could take heart from his team's backs-to-the-wall effort after Konsa's exit. Emery had admitted it was a "challenging" transfer window after his club were constrained by Premier League profit and sustainability rules, leaving them with just two new signings. Marco Bizot, recruited from Brest, made his debut in goal in the absence of the suspended Emiliano Martinez, while Evann Guessand, a striker signed from another French club, Rennes, was on the bench. Elanga wasted a golden opportunity for a debut goal after sprinting through on goal for a shot that was repelled by Bizot. Gordon was equally profligate when he headed Harvey Barnes' cross over the bar from just six yards. Newcastle threatened again as Bruno Guimaraes headed a free-kick towards Barnes and he picked out Gordon, whose low strike from 20 yards was turned away by Bizot. Newcastle had eight shots in the first 30 minutes, while Villa mustered just two touches in the visitors' penalty area in the same period and failed to manage a single shot in the entire half. Villa finally tested Newcastle keeper Nick Pope through Boubacar Kamara's header immediately after the interval. But Emery's men were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute after Elanga's superb pass sent Gordon bearing down on goal, provoking a despairing tug from Konsa that sent the England star crashing to the turf and earned the defender a red card. Newcastle pressed for the winner, but Barnes' goal-bound volley was blocked by Matty Cash and Bizot denied Gordon as Villa held on.
TimesLIVE
9 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Sebelebele's late strike help Pirates hold Sundowns in MTN8 semifinal first leg
Abdeslam Ouaddou lived to see more days as Orlando Pirates coach thanks to Kamogelo Sebelebele's cool finish that gave Pirates a 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal played at a sold-out Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Ouaddou avoided a third successive loss in all competitions, a situation that could have put his job on the line. The Moroccan born coach had come to this match under immense pressure after the Bucs started with two defeats in the Betway Premiership with losses against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. Up until Sebelebele's goal, his first since joining the Bucs from TS Galaxy in July, Sundowns had looked to be cruising to victory through Teboho Mokoena's first half header. In a pulsating encounter in which Sundowns lost their skipper Themba Zwane when he pulled a muscle in the 13th minute, the game was open in both halves and Pirates could have punished the visitors had they had the ability to read their high line well. Often Pirates were caught offside when they had a chance. But when Sebelebele latched on to a pass free on the right with four minutes remaining, there was nothing that could save Sundowns as he planted his shot past an advancing Ronwen Williams who had saved his team a couple of times before then. With Ouaddou having made four changes in his starting XI, slotting in Thalente Mbatha to partner Sihle Nduli in the middle of the park; Sebelebele on the right wing in the place of Oswin Appollis, there was balance and better intent when Pirates attacked. It was, however, up-front where Ouaddou's changes made an impact as Evidence Makgopa gave the Bucs a different dimension with his ability to fetch the ball down the middle when the situation demanded. Deano Van Rooyen also stabilized Pirates on the right flank and often supported Sebelebele when they were in attack. When Sundowns took the lead it was mainly because of the Pirates defence being caught asleep when they had to defend a corner kick. They allowed Mokoena to connect with Marcelo Allende's set piece without anyone challenging him. Makgopa was particularly badly positioned when Mokoena headed in that goal because he had decided to stand on the goal line when his height could have been vital in stopping the header in the first place. Pirates started the second half better and could have equalised within the first five minutes had Hotto not shot wide when he was put through by Patrick Maswanganyi, who himself shot over the bar after being set up by Makgopa. Chaine stood between Sundowns stretching their lead when he came out to block Iqraam Rayners' shot in one of the few times that the Sundowns marksman managed to break free from the tight marking of Bucs skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Sebelebele finally gets through Ronwen's door 😤☠️ 📺 Stream #MTN8 on DStv: — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 16, 2025 But despite dominating possession after making all these changes, Pirates still lacked sharpness in the final third where their moves were at times easily cut out by the Sundowns defence. Makgopa got what was possibly a clear-cut chance in the 77th minute when Sundowns defender Grant Kekana trapped a back pass onto his path. The gangling striker rushed his strike which was easily saved by Williams who also had to parry Sebelebele's shot before being saved by the upright when Sipho Nduli headed unmarked. In the end Sebelebele had the last laugh as finally found the equaliser for Pirates, giving Ouaddou more time to get things right ahead of what will be another sold out blockbuster at the Lucas Moripe Stadium next Saturday. But before Saturday's match Pirates will play Stellenbosch in Orlando while Sundowns will be away to Magesi FC. Both matches will be on Wednesday.
