Wydad Casablanca begins the 2024-2025 Botola Pro D1 « Inwi » season with the hope of regaining their form and returning to glory after a rather disappointing previous season. This ambition is reflected in significant changes at the administrative and technical levels, including the election of a new president, the hiring of a renowned continental coach, and the recruitment of experienced players.
The Casablanca team, who went trophy-less last season despite competing on multiple fronts, is looking to bounce back this season and reconnect with their success-hungry fans. Last season, Wydad finished fifth in the Botola standings with 44 points from 12 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses. They were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Throne Cup by JS Salmi (0-1) and finished third in their group in the CAF Champions League.
Wydad is betting on a deep change in their style of play, entrusting South African coach Rulani Mokoena, known for his modern coaching philosophy and emphasis on offensive play and pressing, to oversee the club’s new sports project.
After assembling their technical staff, the club embarked on recruiting new players, aiming for a complete overhaul of their squad. Notable signings include Brazilian Pedro Henrique de Assis, Moroccan winger Nassim Chadli, and South African Cassius Mailula.
The club also signed Zacarías Ghailán, a graduate of FC Barcelona’s « La Masia, » Hamza Sakhi from Ajaccio in France, Nabil Marmouk from Anorthosis in Cyprus, and Abdelali Mhamdi from Saudi club Al-Batin, among others. Meanwhile, several key players, including captain Yahya Jabrane and Ayoub El Amloud, have departed.
Like other Botola teams, Wydad has been intensively preparing for the upcoming season, with training camps in Benslimane, Casablanca, and Tunisia, along with friendly matches against Renaissance Zemamra, Olympique Khouribga, Azam from Tanzania, and Club Africain from Tunisia.
Wydad Casablanca will kick off the new Botola season with an away game against Maghreb Fès on Friday.
