Wydad Athletic Club Makes Key Decision on Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch Following Rulani Mokwena’s Exit
Wydad Athletic Club, one of Morocco’s premier football teams, has made an important decision regarding the future of two key South African players, Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch. This comes after the recent departure of head coach Rulani Mokwena. Both players, who joined the Moroccan giants on loan, had their futures hanging in the balance as the club navigated its transition.
Mailula and Lorch’s Loan Deals
Mailula, who made the switch from Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, joined Wydad on loan in August 2024. Meanwhile, Lorch was brought into the fold from Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. Both loan deals were set to expire at the end of the season, and with Mokwena’s departure, questions loomed over whether the duo would remain at the club.
Wydad’s Clear Plan for the Future
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their futures, it appears that both players have earned the trust and admiration of the club’s management. According to reports from LesiteInfo, Wydad Athletic Club’s interim coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem, who also serves as the club’s technical director, has proposed making the loan deals permanent due to the impressive performances shown by Mailula and Lorch throughout the season.
The decision comes as a result of their significant contributions on the field. Wydad management is reportedly pleased with how both South African forwards have integrated into the team and performed under pressure. Mailula has contributed three goals and seven assists, while Lorch has netted two goals. Their impact has been undeniable, and their consistency has been recognized, with both players earning Player of the Month honors for January and March respectively.
The Buy Clause Option
Another crucial aspect of their potential future with the club is the buy clause included in their loan agreements. Wydad has the option to activate this clause and make their signings permanent without needing to engage in negotiations with Toronto FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. This provides Wydad with a smooth pathway to secure both players for the long term.
The Road Ahead for Wydad
As Wydad Athletic Club approaches the final stages of the current season, both Mailula and Lorch are expected to play vital roles in the club’s pursuit of securing a spot in next season’s CAF Champions League. Wydad is gearing up for two crucial matches, hoping to win and simultaneously rely on AS FAR Rabat to drop points in order to clinch their place in Africa’s premier club competition.
The decision regarding Mailula and Lorch’s future comes at a critical time, and their continued strong performances will likely solidify their standing at the club. Fans of Wydad can look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented South African forwards as they aim to help their team achieve greater success on both the domestic and continental stages.
