Wydad not complex after coaching change says Rulani Mokwena

The Belgian-born mentor has only been in charge of one game, a 3-1 victory over SCC Mohammedia. And is now hoping for a statement win against Sundowns in the first leg of their CAF Champions League fixture on Saturday night.

"With the new coach, there's not too much in terms of the profile of the team that has changed. Before the coach was very good players, aggressive wing play, aggressive possibilities to threaten on the counter-attack," he said. 

Mokwena picks out minor details that Vandenbroeck introduced in the domestic league when he took over from Juan Carlos Garrido.

"From a defensive perspective on the pressing that looks a little bit higher. There's a bit more emphasis on build-up," he added.

Not leaving anything to chance, the Downs coach reveals his backroom staff helped profile Wydad’s new man looking at his previous stints elsewhere. 

"Look it's a lot of hard work and we have to just continue to do the work and profile. We've also done the work of profiling him prior to him being appointed in his various clubs in Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania, and there's a lot of detail that has to go in. That's the work that we always do with a lot of support from the analysts and the rest of the coaches," the coach explained.

Mokwena adds they won’t underestimate Wydad, who are the Champions League title holders having beaten Al Ahly last season.

"Many many years competing in the Champions League but it's going to be an interesting game. Two good teams, two good sets of players and we have to fight. We have to know nothing is given to us on a silver platter. We just also have to enjoy the opportunity because these are moments that come once in a lifetime."