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IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema head Mamelodi Sundowns' big-name exodus
Thembinkosi Lorch turning out for Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in the Botola Pro 1. Image: BACKPAGEPIX Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the exits of Thembinkosi Lorch and Neo Maema, marking another chapter in a busy clear-out ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Lorch's departure comes after weeks of speculation surrounding his future, with a return to North Africa now on the cards. The Bafana Bafana international spent the second half of last season on loan at Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, where he delivered a string of impressive displays in both the Botola Pro League and the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The 32-year-old was a standout in Morocco, scoring twice in the league and netting against Juventus in the Club World Cup, while also featuring against Manchester City and Al Ain. His ability to run at defenders and create moments in big matches made him a fan favourite at the Red Castle, even after the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena, with whom he had reunited in Casablanca. Sundowns confirmed on Thursday night that Lorch would not be returning to Chloorkop. Welcome back Nyoso 🫱🏿🫲🏻⏳️⏳️⏳️ — Wydad Red Castle (@WydadRedCastle) August 14, 2025 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Reports from Morocco suggest that a permanent deal with Wydad has been agreed after initial delays in the buyout process. 'THANK YOU, NYOSO. After two unforgettable years, one league title, 26 appearances, seven goals, and four assists, the Yellow Nation thanks and celebrates Thembinkosi Lorch,' Sundowns said in a statement on their social media platforms. ' Lorch joined Sundowns in January 2024 from Orlando Pirates, but despite flashes of quality, he struggled to establish himself in the squad, especially after Miguel Cardoso's arrival as head coach. Hot on the heels of that announcement, Sundowns also confirmed the exit of Maema, who leaves the Brazilians after four trophy-laden years. The 29-year-old midfielder arrived in 2021 from Bloemfontein Celtic and went on to make over 100 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists. I pray that this thing of releasing players won't backfire, considering the amount of games our team plays every season🤞 — Lethu Godide (@SiphosethuNtul1) August 15, 2025
Morocco World
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Raja Casablanca Close to Signing Mouhcine Bouriga
Raja Casablanca are closing in on the signing of Moroccan forward Mouhcine Bouriga. The 25-year-old, who came through the ranks at Renaissance Zemamra, spent last season with FC Sion in the Swiss Super League, scoring once in 22 appearances. According to Africafoot, negotiations between Raja and FC Sion, the player's current club, have accelerated significantly in recent days, with the official signing now a matter of final details. Bouriga has rejected a loan move to Maghreb Fez and turned down a $400,000 loan offer from AS FAR. Raja have since moved quickly to secure the striker. The Casablanca club is keen to bolster their squad following a disappointing season in the Botola Pro League and Throne Cup, while Bouriga views the move as an ideal chance to regain form and revive his career. Tags: botola proFootball Transfer MarketRaja Casablanca
TimesLIVE
24-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Rulani Mokwena pens emotional letter to Wydad fans as he leaves the club
Rulani Mokwena has penned an emotional letter to Wydad Casablanca players, supporters and staff after his departure from the club after nine turbulent months in Morocco. During his tenure, when he received persistent criticism from supporters and a section of former players, Mokwena was in charge of 27 Botola Pro League matches. During his time in charge, he managed 11 wins, 12 draws and four defeats and was absent from the last three matches after being put on special leave. Wydad ended the regular season in third place with 54 points from 30 games and because of this they failed to qualify for the Champions League for the second successive season. 'With heartfelt gratitude, I'm stepping away from my role at Wydad AC to embark on the next chapter of my coaching journey,' Mokwena said in the letter.
The South African
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rulani Mokwena on a brink of signing with a new club?
South African coach Rulani Mokwena is on the verge of joining Egyptian giants Zamalek. The 38-year-old recently parted ways with Wydad Casablanca after just one season. The team finished third in the Botola Pro League but had to fight through a difficult midseason. At one point, it seemed Wydad would finish second and qualify for the CAF Champions League, but a streak of seven consecutive draws ultimately led to Rulani Mokwena's dismissal. The coach bid farewell after the club played their last match of the season, although he was not on the bench for the final three matches. The 38-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor has been linked to Zamalek this week. 'South African coach Rulani Mokwena is close to embarking on a new coaching experience in the Egyptian Premier League after receiving an offer from Zamalek to take over the team for the upcoming period,' Radio Mars reported. 'This development comes just hours after Wydad Athletic Club announced the mutual termination of Mokwena's contract, following a period in which he had not achieved results that satisfied fans' expectations,' they concluded. Mokwena was recently linked to Orlando Pirates after the Soweto giants parted ways with Jose Riveiro. The former Downs coach has been at the Buccaneers before, but his tenure was unsuccessful. Many Pirates fans were not keen on having Rulani Mokwena back and instead asked for the club management to call on experienced South African coach Pitso Mosimane. Jingles has been available since leaving Iran earlier this year. 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.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Wydad Athletic confirm Rulani Mokwena's departure
Mokwena has wished Wydad well in the next season. Wydad Athletic have finally confirmed the departure of head coach Rulani Mokwena. The Moroccan outfit's announcement comes weeks after the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was placed on 'special leave' following a string of poor results. ALSO READ: Ncikazi praises Pirates youngsters after win over SuperSport Utd Mokwena joined Wydad ahead of the Botola Pro League season after being sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns, amid fanfare. However, things did not go as planned and South African coach was sacked before the campaign ended. Now Wydad have confirmed that they have terminated Mokwena's contract with immediate effect. 'Wydad Athletic and Rulani Mokwena have mutually agreed to terminate their contract with immediate effect,' read the club statement on Tuesday night. 'The club expresses its deepest gratitude to coach Mokwena and his technical staff for their unwavering commitment, hard work and sacrifices during a challenging season.' In the same statement, Mokwena said his goodbye to Wydad and wished the club well in the next season. As I say goodbye, I carry unforgettable memories from Wydad, a club that will forever remain in my heart,' said Mokwena. 'I wish the team, staff, and fans tremendous success in the new season and the Club World Cup. May you continue to make history and inspire us all. Dima Wydad.' Meanwhile, as reported earlier, Mokwena is said to be the favourite to replace Jose Riveiro as head coach of Pirates. ALSO READ: Chiefs coach Nabi – 'This news is bad for me' Riveiro left Pirates recently after a successful stay at the club. The Spaniard is reportedly going to replace Marcell Koller as the new Al-Ahly head coach.
