The vocal tactician is grateful with the amount of time he has to prepare his team for the new campaign.
Wydad Athletic Club finished sixth in the 2023/24 Botola Pro League season meaning they missed qualifying for any Caf competitions this season.
The management decided to bring on board coach Rulani Mokwena who had just parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns after falling out with Sporting Director Flemming Berg who wanted full control of the club's signings.
The 37-year-old Mokwena has been given the mandate to help the 2022 Caf Champions League champions get their mojo back.
How does Mokwena feel regarding missing the Caf Champions League?
While top teams will be playing in the prestigious continental club competition, the Red Castle will be rebuilding.
“I think [missing the Caf Champions League] could be a blessing in disguise,” Mokwena told SAFJA.
“This is a competition where the club is known, a space that is their natural habitat. But I think what it gives us is the possibility to work and train the squad and maybe even to arrive at the Club World Cup with less fatigue.
“Our squad will have played in one competition less than many teams at the Club World Cup, there could be that type of physiological advantage, and from a technical and tactical perspective more time to work with the team. That is something I have not had in a very long time, a lot more neutral weeks and preparation time.
“So I look at it as an advantage [but the Champions League] is a competition we have to be part of next season. I know it is very important to the football club.”
What are Mokwena's targets?
Surprisingly, the vocal tactician has stated no specific goals have been imposed on him, and he went on to reveal the discussion he had with the club's president Hicham Ait Menna.
“The only thing we have really discussed is the style of play,” the former Masandawana coach continued.
“In one of the most important conversations we had, he said to me if I can only give him 20 percent of the way the team played at Sundowns, he will be happy. I said ‘Don’t worry I will add five percent more'.
“So the greatest expectation is trying to create something a bit more sustainable and long-lasting with regard to the personality of the team.”
