Rulani Mokwena Leaves MC Alger, Club Explains Why South African Coach Decided to Leave

• Rulani Mokwena and MC Alger have both decided to end their relationship, which lasted for only eight months
• The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach has reportedly gotten another coaching role after parting ways with the Algerian giants
• The Algerian club confirmed in an official statement the reason behind Mokwena's departure from the club after a few months
• Briefly News spoke exclusively to a PSL football journalist for insight on Mokwena’s departure and next move

MC Alger have confirmed the departure of former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena as he takes over a new role at Libyan giants Al‑Ittihad SC on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The South African tactician spent just eight months with the Algerian giants after leaving Wydad Athletic Club towards the end of last season.

Mokwena failed to guide MC Alger past the group stage of the CAF Champions League after losing against his former side, Mamelodi Sundowns, in their last group game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

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Mokwena's move to Al‑Ittihad

According to reports, Mokwena had been strongly linked with a move to Al‑Ittihad, who have long admired the former Orlando Pirates mentor.

Following the recent exit of Khaled Ben Yahia, the Libyan side intensified their efforts to secure Mokwena’s services, while speculation around his future at MC Alger continued to grow.

The rumours gained further momentum after the South African manager’s comments following the club’s elimination from the Algerian Cup, where he claimed that “these are the kinds of matches teams must win if they want their coach to remain at the club.”

He also openly voiced frustration about the lack of attacking additions to the squad, as well as Algeria’s transfer regulations, which prevent foreign players older than 30 or those without international caps from being registered in the league.

MC Alger confirm Mokwena's exit and reasons

MC Alger released an official statement to confirm Mokwena's exit and also gave detailed information about the South African coach's decision to leave the club.

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The Algerian giants confirmed that they decided to part ways with the former Wydad Athletic Club mentor after he told the club he had decided to leave the club after just eight months with the club.

“The decision followed a meeting between the coach and club management, during which he communicated his desire to bring his time with the team to an end after eight months,” part of the statement read.

“During this period, Mokwena guided the club to victory in the Algerian Premier Cup (Super Cup). Under his leadership, the team remained at the top of the professional league standings from the early rounds of the season, although the campaign also included exits from the Algerian Cup and the CAF Champions League.”

“The management of MC Alger extends its sincere appreciation to coach Rulani Mokwena and his technical staff for their commitment and work during their time with the team, and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours.”

Briefly News spoke exclusively to PSL football journalist Bongani Shushabino Mthimkhulu, who provided context on the situation.

“From my perspective, the situation involving Mokwena had been developing for some time,” he said.

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“When MC Alger travelled to South Africa to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League, I connected with a journalist who travelled with the Algerian side, and from there I began following the situation closely.”

Mthimkhulu added that despite Mokwena leaving MC Alger top of the league and delivering the Algerian Super Cup, exits from the Champions League and Algerian Cup had created pressure around his tenure.

“One of the indicators that a potential move to Al‑Ittihad could materialise was the club’s recruitment strategy. Al‑Ittihad had already signed players Mokwena previously worked with at Wydad AC, which suggested a project that could align with his football philosophy,” he said.

He also highlighted the broader coaching dynamic between MC Alger and Al‑Ittihad.

“Both Mokwena and Khaled Ben Yahia effectively replaced each other between the two clubs while leaving their teams in relatively strong positions,” Mthimkhulu explained.

What makes this move particularly significant, Mthimkhulu noted, is that Mokwena has already made history as the first South African coach in Algeria.

“If the move to Al‑Ittihad is finalised, he would also become the first South African coach to manage in Libya,” he said.

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“For Mokwena, this represents not just a career move but another milestone that continues to expand the footprint of South African coaching on the African continent.”

Meanwhile, sources indicate that Al-Ittihad have now finalised an agreement with Mokwena. The coach previously made headlines during the off-season with the arrivals of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch and Stéphane Aziz Ki from Wydad Athletic Club.

Mokwena is expected to be officially presented by Al-Ittihad in the coming days after agreeing to a two-year contract, which includes an option for a further extension. He will lead the ambitious new project of the 18-time Libyan champions based in Tripoli.

Mokwena hits out at Cardoso

Briefly News also reported that Mokwena slammed Miguel Cardoso after MC Alger lost to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League.

The South African tactician and the Portuguese mentor had an encounter during their group game at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Source: Briefly News