Algerian Champions MC Alger Appoint Rulani Mokwena as Head Coach

• Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach, Rulani Mokwena, has been appointed to be in charge of Algerian champions MC Alger on a two-year deal, becoming the highest-paid coach in the league
• Mokwena’s short and turbulent tenure at Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club ended amid inconsistent results and a strained relationship with the club
• After being linked with top clubs across Africa, including Orlando Pirates and Zamalek, Mokwena now faces a fresh challenge

Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mlungisi Mokwena has been appointed as the head coach for Algerian side MC Alger. He will join the North African club on a two-year deal that will make him the highest-paid in that league.

Mokwena, who recently parted ways with the Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club, will go head-to-head with familiar opponents in Josef Zinnbauer (JS Kabylie) and Sead Ramovic (CR Belouizdad) .His technical team will include up to 7 members.

MC Alger will compete in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League after winning the Algerian Premier League this year.

How did South Africans react to Mokwena's appointment?

@Real_Mphafa

"What is their handle?"

@huSithole95_ZA

"Hopefully, they will give him enough time to build a team, just like Arsenal and Arteta."

@lekhetho_l

"Congrats to Mokwena. Someone is waiting for him. 🤭🤭"

@Nkayezi_Gcwabe

"Mukwena. Mokoena zithini lana"

@ojjapiano

"Hallo habibi Mzize"

@Qokx85

"Congrats, Rulani"

@khazamula37

"Now the Rivalry is back"

@mphoza5starrr

"Good luck to the son of the soil, really wanted him at PiratesAlgeria,is but then the board knows best."

@KhanyisaniKhum3

"Lomuntu wazalwa embethe🔥 congratulations Mlungisi❤🙏🏿"

@Menziwabantwana

"Congrats 👏 👏 👏"

@basicmattie

"Rulani ball is back 😭🔥🔥"

@MAPERSENT

"Pep rulani"

@freanky4fingers

"People are moving fast"

@motsatate

"Big up coach R.Mokoena.."

@CellBZondi

"Our very own. Never scared of a challenge. Good luc top coach"

@mfo_ka_nxasana

"That team is complete. Hope he doesn't get there and wants to chop and change an already existing well oiled machine."

Short-lived Wydad tenure ends in frustration

Mokwena, 38, lasted just one season at Wydad, where initial optimism gave way to inconsistency. Despite a competitive squad, Wydad finished third in the Botola Pro League after a frustrating campaign marked by a string of draws. A run of seven consecutive stalemates derailed their ambitions of CAF Champions League qualification and eventually led to the club parting ways with the coach.

The final stretch of the season saw Mokwena absent from the dugout for three matches, signalling a breakdown in the relationship before the official announcement of a mutual contract termination.

What went wrong at Wydad?

Briefly News previously reported that Rhulani Mokwena has parted ways with Wydad Casablanca with just three games left in the season.

The 1-1 draw against Olympic Club de Safi was the breaking point. Football analyst Brighton Bafana told Briefly News that Mokwena is tactically sharp but struggles with the mental side of leadership. At a club like Wydad, managing pressure and egos is just as important as getting results.

Which other clubs was Rulani linked to?

After his exit from Wydad, Mokwena became linked with several clubs, from the Orlando Pirates job to taking over the hot seat at the recently crowned CAF Champions League winners, Pyramids FC, to Egyptian giants Zamalek. With his new job confirmed, it will be interesting to see how the South African will fare this time around.

Moeneeb Josephs raises concerns over Rhulani Mokwena

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs expressed concern over Rhulani Mokwena’s potential return as head coach.

Josephs questioned whether Mokwena is the right fit to replace the outgoing Jose Riveiro, citing past tensions and controversy during Mokwena’s previous stint at the club.

Source: Briefly News