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Ya Biladi
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Stadium vandalism in Casablanca : A reflection of broader social issues
Just days after the reopening of the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca—following extensive renovations and costly repairs—social media erupted with shocking photos and videos showing acts of vandalism across several stadium facilities, including broken seats and toilets, after a Botola Pro 1 match between Raja Athletic and Hassania Agadir. The incident sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about collective behavior in Moroccan stadiums, particularly as Morocco prepares to host major continental and international sporting events. In this context, sociologist Abderrahim Bourkia, an expert on issues of social deviance and cultural dynamics, offered Yabiladi a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon and its underlying dimensions. Bourkia does not believe these events will significantly tarnish Morocco's reputation, stressing that stadium violence and vandalism are not unique to any one country. He cited incidents at the Stade de France in Paris, just two years before France hosted the Olympics. «The Stade de France witnessed unprecedented incidents of theft and widespread assaults, and the press at the time heavily criticized the authorities' inability to maintain public order. Yet, France went on to host one of the most successful editions of the Olympics. It became an opportunity for organizers to learn and address shortcomings». According to Bourkia, the concept of «zero risk» does not exist. What matters most is being well-prepared and taking precautionary, proactive measures to manage potential threats. Stadium Violence: A Complex Social Phenomenon However, Bourkia warns that stadium violence should not be seen as a spontaneous outbreak of aggression; rather, it is the result of a complex web of social, cultural, and economic factors. The phenomenon is not limited to acts of vandalism or rioting—it stems from provocations and symbolic violence exchanged among fans, management, and security personnel. Bourkia believes that stadium violence mirrors the broader violence present in Moroccan society. He argues that addressing the phenomenon requires more than just a strong security response; it also demands long-term social intervention. Family upbringing and school education play crucial roles in shaping behavior. Therefore, activating the role of educational, cultural, and training institutions is essential to create a positive environment that steers young people away from violence and deviance. Bourkia also reflects on the world of ultras, describing it as a «special world» with its own parallel set of rules, where a culture of confrontation and sometimes violence can prevail—not only toward rival groups but also toward symbols of authority perceived as threats to their freedom. «Ultras in Morocco are purely a social product. They are individuals shaped by specific social environments and cannot be blamed in isolation from the family system, schools, youth centers, and other socializing institutions». He further notes that some outbreaks of violence may be fueled by personal ambitions or manipulated by parties seeking to exploit tensions for their own benefit, whether to assert dominance within the fan scene or to profit from the chaos. Bourkia emphasizes that violence in stadiums reflects the broader violence in society. The teenager or young person engaging in stadium violence is often a product of public policies and family and educational systems that fail to support and nurture youth. According to him, marginalized young people who feel excluded and hopeless «become easy recruits for groups that offer a symbolic substitute for the social recognition they lack». As for solutions, Bourkia insists that an immediate and robust security response is non-negotiable, but it must be paired with a deeper, longer-term social approach. In conclusion, he stresses the need to work with children, adolescents, and young people to instill values of fair competition and openness toward others, «so they no longer view those who are different from them as threats, but simply as sporting competitors».
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Rulani Mokwena has grown to be his own man, and deserves plaudits
Rulani Mokwena Rulani Mokwena has earned his spurs as a top-class coach over the years. Photo: AFP Image: AFP Final Whistle Column Rulani Mokwena has shown that he has nerves of steel, and given all that he's achieved and taken on the chin in recent years, he's destined for greatness. Before writing this op-ed, rumours had been rife that he has been released by Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca after a string of poor results. And this was despite Mokwena and his agent Steve Kapelushnik recently telling the media that they've agreed with the club to part ways at the end of the season. So, whatever happens, possibilities are high that Mokwena won't be the club's coach beyond this season, ruling out chances of him coaching at the Club World Cup in June. And sure, it will be easy for naysayers to say 'there goes his dream of coaching against his idol, Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola', as he was looking forward to that in the US. But perhaps it'll be only sensible for us to realise that Mokwena's dream might only be delayed, and not denied. He's still got his best years ahead of him. "Wydad is a big club... maybe they deserve a better coach than me," - Rulani Mokwena. Sounds like Rulani is ready to head back home 🤔 — m a s h è s h a 💨 (@_mashesha) April 24, 2025 It's only important to realise that Mokwena didn't fail at Wydad. If anything, he succeeded, and was close to waking up a sleeping giant. Mokwena arrived at the club last year when they were on their knees – they were financially strapped, and had incredibly finished sixth in the Botola Pro 1 log last season. His abilities to lure players to the club, including SA duo Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch, brought in some financial revenue one way or another. And that's not all. With three games to play, the team now have a chance of finishing in a CAF qualifying for next season – something that eluded them before Mokwena arrived. Mokwena is only 38 years of age. So, his decision to believe in his abilities and take on a gigantic post such as the Wydad coaching job also spoke volumes. He showed that he's not a cry baby, and wouldn't sulk and moan around by opting to ridicule himself after being sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season. Mokwena could have decided to stick around – here at home – and coach any of the teams with less pressure in an attempt to rebuild his profile and confidence. But he didn't need that. He had already done that at Sundowns, having won the Premiership title and African Football League (AFL) as the lone head coach. Of course, naysayers will have a field day by saying the foundation was laid for him by the deep pockets of the club and the work of his predecessor Pitso Mosimane. But Mokwena was his own man in his last season at Sundowns, alright. He had an idea of how the team wanted to play – possession-based football – and aced that to a tee. It's worth noting that Mokwena didn't only become his own man when he achieved illustrious success at Sundowns and taking up the Wydad job. No! He carved his path when he decided to step out of the shadow of his paternal lineage, which includes some of the greatest players to don the jersey of Orlando Pirates. He is the son of Julius 'KK' Sono, making him the nephew of Ephraim 'Jomo' Son and the grandson of Eric 'Scara' Sono – a trio that left their mark at Pirates. Mokwena, who's decided to use his maternal surname to step out of his paternal shadow, also decided to go the road less travelled – focusing more on coaching than playing.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Opinion: Rulani Mokwena must prove himself for three years at teams like TS Galaxy
Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is set to return to South Africa soon, as his tenure with Wydad Casablanca is scheduled to end next month. The 38-year-old joined the Moroccan giants last year with the goal of restoring their status at the top of the league. However, Mokwena has faced challenges in the Botola Pro 1, with his team struggling to secure a third-place finish. To earn a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, Wydad Casablanca must win all its remaining matches. A third-place finish may be seen as respectable but falls short of expectations, given Mokwena's inability to inspire his players this season. The team's record of 12 draws in 27 matches indicates a struggle to secure wins and adapt to Mokwena's coaching methods. Mlungisi spent most of his coaching career there, working with the development team before becoming a protégé of Pitso Mosimane. After Mosimane left the club in 2020, Mokwena, along with Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela, served as co-coaches for two years before Rulani eventually took over as the sole head coach. His two-year tenure brought some success, but the lack of a Champions League title ultimately led the club to part ways with him. A week later, he took on the head coach role at Wydad. In 2017, Mokwena briefly joined Orlando Pirates as an assistant coach before assuming the head coach position a year later. However, his tenure proved disastrous, resulting in his demotion. He did not take the news well and decided to leave the club shortly afterwards. He then had a brief stint coaching Chippa United during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did not work out, and he returned to Sundowns. Mokwena has a deep understanding of Sundowns, from the development structures to the first team, which made it easier for him to build upon Mosimane's legacy. Without Sundowns, however, Mokwena has struggled to find his footing. In truth, Rulani Mokwena is a competent coach considering his age, but he needs to manage a PSL midtable team for at least three years to develop his skills and enhance his coaching résumé outside of Sundowns. Transitioning between Arab clubs will not contribute significantly to his knowledge, as he would primarily focus on winning leagues and championships with well-established teams. Mlungisi will gain more respect in the coaching community if he can build a smaller team from the ground up, similar to what Mosimane and Gavin Hunt have achieved. 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.
The South African
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
BREAKING: Wydad set to sack Rulani Mokwena!
Wydad are set to announce the departure of Rulani Mokwena in the next few hours following a meeting which took place between him and the club's president. According to WydadTime , Mokwena was called to president Hicham Ait Menna's president where a decision to release him was reached. This comes on the back of Wydad's SIXTH successive draw in the Botola Pro 1 against Olympic Safi on Wednesday. After the game, Mokwena said it was up to the Wydad president to decide his fate, adding that he had already made it clear that he's leaving at the end of the season. Now, it seems the club has had enough, and decided that Mokwena is not the right person to finish the season with them. As things stand, Wydad are placed third on the log, five points behind second-placed AS FAR Rabat with three more games to play. And Mokwena's dream of helping Wydad qualify for next season's CAF Champions League appears gloomy. Rulani Mokwena will officially leave Wydad Casablanca. Image: X/@WACofficiel 'Rulani Mlungisi Mokwena is gone. The South African coach is leaving the club after reaching an amicable agreement with president Hicham Ait Menna,' reads the report. 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.
The South African
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rulani: Maybe Wydad deserve a better coach than me
Wydad head coach Rulani Mokwena was left disappointed after his charges played to a 1-1 draw with Olympic Safi on Wednesday. The Red Castle led the Safi until the last three to four minutes of the game when they let them score the equaliser. The result means Wydad have now drawn their last six league matches, and they find themselves third in the Botola Pro 1. With three ganes to go, Wydad need to win all of them and hope AS FAR Rabat slip up in order for them to finish second. And should that happen, they would then return to CAF Champions League football next season. Now, Mokwena, who is leaving Wydad, said it's up to the president to decide his fate but his stance on vacating his position hasn't changed. He further said Wydad are the only Moroccan team he will ever coach, declaring his love for the club. However, he feels perhaps Wydad deserve a better coach than him at this point in time. Orlando Pirates legend says no to Rulani Mokwena's possible return. Image: X/@WACofficiel 'It's up to the president, I already said at the end of the season, I will leave. So, that's the situation,' he told the media. 'I love Wydad, I will only coach Wydad in Morocco, if I leave, I leave as a Wydad. When you say 'Dima Wydad', you say 'Dima Wydad' forever, and just to thank the president, he's been amazing. 'I think Wydad has the best president in Morocco, maybe in Africa. The players have given me everything of the best, the staff has been good. 'Wydad is a big club you know, they deserve to win, and maybe they deserve a better coach than me,' Mokwena concluded. 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.
