Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has defended Rulani Mokwena over the criticism he has received in Morocco, which ultimately led to the announcement of his departure by the end of the season.
Mokwena, 38, will not be on the sidelines again for the Moroccan giants, who announced the South African tactician has been granted “special leave” due to the significant psychological pressures he has experienced recently”.
Once the 2024/25 Botola Pro Inwi campaign is concluded, Mokwena’s contract with Wydad will end, with the club currently sitting in third place after 27 games and just three left to play.
Khumalo, though, defended the South African tactician, asking what more could he have done at the Moroccan giants who finished in sixth place last season.
“But again you question the treatment that South Africans get outside our country, maybe say in the continent. Let’s look at Rulani’s journey,” he said on Soccerzone.
“When he arrived at Wydad they didn’t have players. He signed 29 players including Lorch and Mailula and remember they are on loan. The problem is not the employer the problem is the supporters of Wydad.
“They are the ones who are abusing Rulani and when I look at his track record he played 35, drawn 14, won 14 and lost seven times which is a good record.
“On top of that he says in the corridors that the equipment to train players he gets it himself. Tell me where is the problem? What must he do now? I mean I heard he has also gone eight months without a salary.”
Overall, Mokwena won 14 out of his 35 games in charge, drawing 14, while losing just seven.
