Wydad Athletic Club, under the guidance of South African coach Rulani Mokwena, is striving to solidify its position as one of Morocco’s premier football teams as they gear up for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The tournament, which takes place from June 15 to July 13, 2025, will feature Wydad going head-to-head with illustrious European teams like Manchester City and Juventus. To compete effectively at this level, the club has initiated plans to bolster its squad with high-profile signings.
Currently ranked fourth in the Moroccan professional league, Wydad's recent run has not been without its challenges. Following back-to-back draws and most recently, a disappointing 4-1 loss to MAS de Fes due to being reduced to ten men early in the match, Mokwena recognizes the need for reinforcements. “The second half of the season is the one where we need to raise our game, as even after draws, the fans are not satisfied,” Mokwena said, emphasizing the culture of high expectations at the club.
With the team’s offensive unit lacking efficiency, Wydad recently parted ways with Senegalese forward M’Baye Niang, whose contributions fell short after only eight appearances. Mokwena has been tasked with compiling a list of players to offload as Wydad prepares for the January transfer window. According to Wydad’s president, Hicham Ait Mena, the objective is to create space for new foreign players who can contribute significantly to the team’s aspirations.
Wydad's upcoming fixtures include a pivotal match against Maghreb Fez on December 28, 2024. This clash is viewed as pivotal, as Wydad seeks to regain momentum and push for the title amid fierce competition. The atmosphere promises to be charged, not least because Wydad has allocated tickets for Maghreb Fez supporters, showing intent to maintain competitive spirit both on and off the pitch.
Historically, Wydad has had the upper hand against Maghreb Fez, winning six of their last ten encounters. Yet, Mokwena’s side must overcome recent inconsistencies to secure all three points and keep their title hopes alive. "We cannot afford to lower our standards,” Mokwena stated. “Celebrations should be for victories, not draws.” This mentality reflects the club’s ambitions both locally and on the global stage, particularly with the FIFA Club World Cup looming.
The focus on new signings is not just about filling gaps but enhancing the overall quality of the squad. Wydad is reportedly eyeing players who can ramp up scoring, including strikers and attacking midfielders. The club has particularly targeted defensive reinforcements following unsatisfactory performances from their current full-backs.
This influence of Mokwena is indicative of the strategic shift Wydad seeks. His insistence on maintaining high standards has galvanized the fans and players alike, driving the team’s objectives beyond mere competitive presence to expectation of success. The club aims to secure its first domestic title of the season and make significant strides on the international stage.
Wydad's recent form shows six wins, six draws, and three losses, with 20 goals scored and 14 conceded. The club is also hoping to bounce back from their earlier clash with MAS de Fes, where they suffered setbacks but displayed moments of resilience, including early offensive strikes. Future matches will require not just tactical prowess but also the kind of squad depth only fresh signings can provide.
The upcoming January transfer window is pivotal for Wydad. The hopes are high for swift actions to recruit talent capable of changing the course of the second half of the season. Given their current struggle, Mokwena must act decisively. Following the directive from management, names are expected to come forward, showcasing the immediacy of the club’s ambitions.
With fierce competition on domestic grounds and the upcoming challenge of the FIFA Club World Cup, Wydad Athletic Club remains focused on its battle for supremacy. Frequent updates will reveal how Mokwena’s strategies take shape as the team aims to not just compete but to dominate both the Moroccan league and on international stages.
Wydad’s narrative of determination, ambition, and tactical evolution under Mokwena portrays the club as resolutely focused on future achievements, fuelling excitement among fans and players. Only time will tell if their efforts, recruitment, and resolve translate to tangible success on the pitch as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments.
