Rulani Mokwena takes charge at MC Alger, set to lead CAF Champions League push
South African coach Rulani Mokwena has joined Algerian champions MC Alger on a two-year deal, returning to CAF Champions League football. The 38-year-old, previously with Wydad AC and Mamelodi Sundowns, brings tactical flair to a club eager for domestic and continental success.
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Rulani Mokwena’s goal of remaining active in top-tier African football — and in particular, continuing his CAF Champions League journey — has taken a significant step forward with his appointment as head coach of MC Alger.
IOL Sport’s Herman Gibbs reports that the 38-year-old South African tactician has signed a two-year deal with the Algerian giants, who secured their ninth domestic league title last season. That triumph ensures their automatic qualification for the upcoming CAF Champions League campaign.
MC Alger confirmed Mokwena’s arrival via their official social media channels, announcing: “Rulani Mokwena is the new coach of the dean of the Algerian clubs. Rulani Mokwena! Welcome to Mouloudia.”
His move to Algiers comes in the wake of the departure of Tunisian coach Khaled Ben Yahia, whose short-term contract expired at the end of the season.
Mokwena’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most promising football minds stems from his previous roles — notably at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he earned acclaim for his attacking approach and tactical creativity, particularly his preferred 3-4-3 system.
He also led Moroccan club Wydad AC for a 17-match spell, finishing with seven wins, six draws, and four losses before an amicable departure in May 2025 due to a misalignment on long-term objectives.
Despite his exit from Wydad, Mokwena remained in high demand. Interest reportedly came from Egyptian powerhouses Pyramids FC and Zamalek SC, along with clubs from South Africa and the Gulf region.
But his continued ambition to work with a CAF Champions League contender saw him choose MC Alger.
MC Alger, one of Algeria’s most historic football institutions, has competed nine times in the CAF Champions League since its founding over a century ago. Their most memorable moment came in 1976 when they won the tournament in their debut appearance.
Most recently, the club reached the quarter-finals of the competition before being eliminated by South Africa’s Orlando Pirates — a particularly meaningful match-up for Mokwena, given his past with the Johannesburg club.
His appointment signals MC Alger’s intent to compete seriously at both domestic and continental levels. The club is determined to reclaim local dominance while chasing further success in Africa’s premier club competition.
Mokwena, who becomes the first South African to coach in Algeria’s top division, will also enter the 2025/26 Champions League as the youngest coach in the tournament.
Now facing off against coaching rivals like Sead Ramovic of CR Belouizdad and Josef Zinnbauer at JS Kabylie, Mokwena will be tasked with turning his tactical acumen into silverware as he ushers MC Alger into their next chapter.