Rulani Mokwena Detained at Algiers Airport After Parting Ways With MC Alger

• Rulani Mokwena has reportedly been stopped at Algiers while trying to leave Algeria after parting ways with MC Alger
• The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach spent eight months with the Algerian giants and won the Algerian Super Cup
• The reports about the South African tactician being detained in Algeria sparked mixed reactions from fans on social media

Rulani Mokwena has reportedly been detained in Algiers, Algeria, after parting ways with MC Alger after just being eight months on the job.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor and the Algerian giants officially ended their relationship together on Saturday, March 14, 2026, amid several reports that the South African coach has already taken another lucrative managerial role.

The Algerian side released an official statement clearing the air on the reason behind Mokwena's decision to leave the club, while the Mzansi coach also took to his Instagram page to bid the club goodbye.

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Mokwena stopped at the airport in Algiers

According to Algerian reporter Nazim Bessol who cited El Heddaf TV as his source, reported that Mokwena was stopped at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers by Customs Officers over claims that he attempted to leave Algeria carrying undeclared foreign currency.

The former Orlando Pirates coach was stopped by the authorities while trying to leave the North African country after ending his relationship with MC Alger.

The officials in charge of the case have decided not to make the amount of the undeclared foreign currency public, but it is a serious issue which is highly regulated under Algerian law.

Here is what fans are saying on social media concerning Mokwena being detained in Algeria.

George Gmuchineripi wrote:

"They are just bitter that he left MC Alger after getting a better offer in Libya."

Rasras Mabonchi Mapholo🇿 said:

"They don't want him to leave. Now they're framing son of the soil?"

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Matimba shared:

"They’re not happy with his departure, but how was he supposed to continue with a team or football association that limits coaches/teams from getting better players?"

L.J. Mamashila added:

"I don't like how Arabs are treating our local black coaches. Pitso won the Champions League and the league with Al Ahly, but people still disrespected him in Egypt."

Mokwena's potential move to Libya

Following his departure, North African media linked Mokwena to the Libyan side Al‑Ittihad SC. Should the transfer go ahead, he may reconnect with Thembinkosi Lorch, a player he previously coached at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, the ongoing report about the airport incident could complicate these plans if the rumours turn out to be true.

At this stage, neither Mokwena nor his representatives have released an official response regarding the airport issues, and the Algerian authorities have not commented publicly. The situation is evolving, with further updates expected as the legal process unfolds.

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Mokwena risks heavy penalty for undeclared R307k in foreign currency

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