Club World Cup: Wydad Coach Eager For Guardiola Showdown
Wydad Casablanca, coach Rhulani Mokwena, is relishing the prospect of facing his idol, Pep Guardiola, at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after the Moroccan giants were drawn to play English side Manchester City.
The South African tactician expressed his excitement after Wydad were drawn in Group G alongside Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain following Thursday’s draw in Miami, USA.
“For me, this is a dream come true,” Mokwena said when reacting to the tough group his Moroccan club have been placed in.
“When you are in a group like this, you cannot lose. You will play against very good teams. Manchester City, of course, we know the quality they have. Playing with the big teams in a big competition is a big dream.”
Mokwena, known for his admiration of Guardiola’s tactical philosophy, has often described the Spanish coach as his biggest inspiration. Facing Manchester City on the global stage offers Mokwena not just a chance to compete but to showcase his own approach to the game against one of football’s greatest minds.
Despite the challenges ahead, Mokwena remains grounded in his goals.
“The aim is to sign an honorable participation and win at least one match. This is the bet, and there is no room to talk about anything else. We greatly appreciate the fans’ aspirations and promise to honour them,” he told Wydad’s official website.
The tournament, featuring 32 teams for the first time, will run from 15th June to 13th July in the USA. Mokwena’s Wydad are among four African teams in the competition.
African Clubs’ Draw
Al Ahly (Egypt) will open their campaign in Group A, facing SE Palmeiras, FC Porto, and Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) find themselves in the “Group of Death,” Group D, alongside Chelsea, Flamengo, and Club León.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns take on Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, and Ulsan HD in Group F, while Wydad AC (Morocco) face Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain in Group G.
The competition promises a thrilling showcase of talent as African teams look to leave their mark on the global stage.
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