Rulani Mokwena set to keep alive his CAF Champions League ambitions with MC Alger

Rulani Mokwena's ambitions to continue coaching in Africa, particularly with a team participating in the CAF Champions League, have come to fruition.

His new club, MC Alger, clinched their ninth league title last season, securing their spot as automatic qualifiers for Africa's prestigious club competition. The 38-year-old South African tactician has signed a two-year contract, marking a new chapter in his coaching career.

MC Alger announced Mokwena's appointment on their official social media channels, stating: “Rulani Mokwena is the new coach of the dean of the Algerian clubs. Rulani Mokwena! Welcome to Mouloudia.”

His arrival in Algiers comes on the heels of the departure of Tunisian coach Khaled Ben Yahia, who had a short-term contract with the club that ended last season.

Mokwena previously coached at Wydad AC in Morocco after a successful spell with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, where he established himself as an innovative coach. His tactical versatility, especially his preferred 3-4-3 formation, earned him a reputation for being a coach who promoted attacking play.

While at Wydad, Mokwena completed 17 matches, achieving seven wins, six draws, and four losses. However, a lack of alignment on club objectives led to an amicable parting of ways in May 2025, leaving Mokwena in high demand across Africa.

He attracted interest from several clubs, including Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC in Egypt, as well as teams from South Africa and the Gulf region.

His consistent commitment to maintaining his link with CAF Champions League contenders ultimately led him to choose MC Alger over other offers. In its 103-year history, MC Alger has competed nine times in the Champions League and made history by winning the title in their 1976 debut.

The club aims to build on their recent successes, having reached the quarter-finals of the last CAF Champions League edition before being narrowly defeated by Orlando Pirates, a match imbued with added significance for Mokwena, given his ties to the South African side.

His coaching journey aligns perfectly with the club's ambitions, as they seek to dominate domestically and make an impact on the continental stage.

MC Alger's decision reflects their commitment to not only reclaim domestic titles but also improve their standing in Africa while competing against formidable opponents. Mokwena now faces the challenge of eclipsing rivals like Sead Ramovic of CR Belouizdad and Josef Zinnbauer of JS Kabylie, making the upcoming season in Algeria particularly competitive.

As Mokwena settles into his new role, he will focus on leveraging his tactical insight and experience to strengthen the squad for both national and international aspirations. His appointment will bolster MC Alger's profile while solidifying his status as one of African football's most promising coaching talents.

He becomes the first South African to coach in the Algerian Premier League, and at the age of 38, Mokwena will be the youngest coach in the CAF Champions League next season.