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Saturday night witnessed South African coach allegedly subjected to racist abuse by IR Tanger's coaching staff during a tense 2-2 draw prompting calls for greater respect in African football.
South African coach Rulani Mokwena has spoken out about alleged racist abuse he experienced from the opposing team's staff in Morocco.
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night during a heated Botola Pro 1 match between Wydad Casablanca, Mokwena’s team and IR Tanger, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The 36-year-old Mokwena, who took over as head coach of Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca earlier this year, expressed his disappointment after his team dropped points.
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The South African tactician revealed that his staff had informed him of racial slurs directed at him by members of the Tanger coaching staff.
"I'm just disappointed in the behaviour. Football is football, but once we cross the line and disrespect each other, it becomes a problem," Mokwena said after the game, as reported by LeSiteSport Info.
“I don't disrespect nobody even the person I meet in the street, I have time to hug and give time to listen. I was not raised like that, so to be subjected to that type of [abuse].”
This alleged incident has drawn the attention of fans and media across Africa, bringing into question the values upheld on the continent's football fields.
Mokwena, known for his disciplined and respectful approach, took this opportunity to commend his staff for coming to his defense immediately after the incident.
He expressed pride in the strong bond within his team and how they rallied around him during this trying time.
"I want to thank my staff, because the moment they had it [abuse], they came to my defence, it showed how together we are. I'm proud to represent this club," he said.
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Having settled into the North African country with warmth from fans and locals alike, Mokwena reiterated that the alleged incident does not represent the hospitality he has experienced as a foreigner in Morocco.
“I am in a country that respects and welcomes foreigners, loves football and appreciates respect for it. Respect must prevail in the stadiums,” he added.
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The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns over racial abuse in sports, which remains an issue not only on the global stage but within African leagues as well.
“The Wydad fans they’ve shown nothing but love,” he shared.
“I love them and I’m prepared to die for them because that’s the promise we to play. We will soldier on and continue to fight, they must know that.”
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