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 such a 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.
Wydad, which ended the Botola on 54 points from 30 games, won their last three games as Amine Benhachem took over as caretaker coach.
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The South African
11 minutes ago
- The South African
'My world': Dricus du Plessis fiancée shows love after loss
Boxing coach and author Vasti Spiller penned a touching post to her fiancé Dricus du Plessis after he lost his UFC middleweight title Khamzat Chimaev. Dricus du Plessis is being showered with love from his fiancée Vasti Spiller after he lost his UFC middleweight championship to Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, a Russian-Emirati mixed martial artist, defeated du Plessis 50-44. The fight took place at United Center in Chicago on Saturday 16 August. The new UFC middleweight champion had a UFC record number of strikes and takedowns for a middleweight title fight, and remained undefeated with 15-0. Through his loss, Dricus' fiancée Vasti Spiller showed him love by penning a touching Instagram post. Take a look… 'My world ♥️. This is just the beginning,' she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vasti Spiller (@vasti_spiller) '❤️❤️❤️❤️️❤️❤️ he fought his WHOLE heart out and gave it all. So proud of him,' wrote @lorindasworld. 'Always our champ!!! Rest, back to the drawing board and bring the belt home. And good luck with the woman behind the man, tears, support and everything you do for him that we don't see. Jys just as much our Champ as Dricus. The woman behind the man 💖💖,' wrote @yolandi_padayachi. 'Dricus du Plessis In this game, I saw his will to move forward bravely. As long as it was another player who was completely suppressed by wrestling, he would have been hopeless long ago. He is not only desperately defending,And also tried wrestling and attacking with khamzat!Dricus du plessis He has shown us a true warrior who still gives his all in adversity! The real South African man🇿🇦💪,' wrote @super_cosair. '❤️🙌👏 A heart like a lion. WE are proud of you Drikus. Give him an extra tight hug @vasti_spiller,' wrote @zephne. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
41 minutes ago
- IOL News
'I'm sorry South Africa' says Dricus du Plessis as Khamzat Chimaev wins UFC Middleweight title
Dricus du Plessis' nine-fight UFC winning streak ended this morning. Image: EPA Chechen-born MMA superstar Khamzat Chimaev broke South Africa's Dricus du Plessis' nine-fight UFC winning streak to become the new Middleweight champion of the world today. "In the last round I went for it... I almost had it... but it didn't happen." said Du Plessis after the fight, apologising to South Africa for "letting you down". Fighting out of the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Chimaev dominated Du Plessis over five rounds with elite grappling and wrestling to which Du Plessis had no answer. From the first round, Chimaev enjoyed early takedowns and top control as he restricted Du Plessis' movement and breathing with a beautiful crucifix. For more than two minutes, Chimaev had the South African in that position as he tapped away at his head with strikes; however, the close range at which he was launching did little damage, hence the referee's inability to stop the fight so soon. Du Plessis did well to tuck his head into the UAE-based star's body to avoid maximum damage. In round two, Du Plessis attacked with his trademark high kick, but it paid little dividends as Chimaev defended it before shooting for another takedown and transitioning to the former's back. At each junction where Du Plessis looked for an escape, Chimaev showcased his high-level wrestling as he moved into position, initiating beautiful wrist control as well to secure control. Many pundits spoke on the importance of Du Plessis surviving the first two rounds before being able to implement his own pressure game; however, the man failed to show up and take control, as it was more of the same over the next three rounds. Chimaev had secured six takedowns by the start of round three, locking in another crucifix position. One of the highlights for Du Plessis was his ability to defend the constant rear-naked choke threat from Chimaev as the submission threat was always lurking. In round four, after minimal damage but dominance of position, Chimaev, who had been in top control once again, was finally stood up by referee Marc Goddard. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It was almost a moment of respite for Du Plessis and a chance to showcase his striking, but it did not serve him well for very long, as the champion was then brought down again shortly after. Between rounds four and five, Du Plessis - seemingly fatigued - told his corner that 'I've got him' as coach Morné Visser seemed lost for words and without a plan at that point. But again, it was Chimaev's bread and butter - his incredible wrestling and grappling that had the final answer as he owned the Octagon. As the final bell went for the commencement of the last round, it was not long before Chimaev enjoyed another takedown and moved into yet another crucifix position. As per ref Goddard, not enough action was taking place, and he stood the athletes up again, offering Du Plessis one last chance to secure his belt, but the man seemed to lack the energy when on his feet after weathering that storm. At one point, Du Plessis slipped away from Chimaev's control and reversed a position to get top control, before going for a guillotine choke, but was unsuccessful in his pursuit, ultimately leading Team Chimaev to a 50-44 unanimous decision win. 'Massive respect to Dricus, he was the only guy who called my name out, he is a real Lion, and African Lion, thank you for taking the fight, brother, said Chimaev after the fight. A dejected Du Plessis showed class in defeat and apologised to his South African fans back home. 'Massive shoutout to Khamzat (Chimaev). He has incredible control; it was not a matter of strength, but more a case of he knew what your every next move would be. "To describe his style, it's like a blanket wrapped around you. "In that last round, I went for it, and almost had it. I could taste the victory, but it did not happen; he deserved it. He is the champion, and I will be back stronger and better than ever. To everybody in South Africa, I am sorry for letting you down. We will come back stronger,' said Du Plessis.


The South African
41 minutes ago
- The South African
'When Khamzat was training, he was busy playing politics': Fans react to Dricus' defeat
Khamzat Chimaev obliterates Dricus du Plessis to be crowwned the new UFC middleweight in Chicago on Saturday night. The Russian fighter dominated the match, scoring frequent take-downs and gave the champion no room to manoeuvre. Ultimately Khamzat won the contest after all three judges scored 50-44 in favour of the challenger. Following the defeat to Khamzat, South African UFC fans took to social to react to Dricus's defeat. Some felt the South African put up a brave fight, while others celebrated his loss following his support for US President Donald Trump. Du Plessis congratulated the Russian fighter, admitting that he was beaten fair and squad. 'Big ups to Khamzat, he deserves this 100%. He beat me fair and square… I'll be back, and I'm coming to get my belt back. But for now it's his, and he deserves it.' Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton Mckenzie applauded the Pretoria fighter. 'Dricus du Plessis you made us proud as one of the great champions and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today but you will come back stronger. It was hard to watch but you never gave up, almost had him & you'll always be a legend. Chin up,' the sports minister wrote on X. @HenryCejudo wrote: 'Dricus showed heart but Khamzat Chimaev is on another level right now. He may very well be champion for years to come.' @Zinc1423300 wrote: 'A Trump supporter and part of the genocide grift machine—I'm relieved he lost. May he face a few more humblings on his way to well-deserved obscurity.' @kokififty5 wrote: 'He can go into politics now seems to have a lot to say on that.' 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.