Andrew Olsson
March 14, 2026MC Alger: Mokwena steps down as coach of Algerian champions
MC Alger: Mokwena steps down as coach of Algerian champions
Rulani Mokwena’s departure from Algerian club champions MC Alger was confirmed by the Algiers giants on Saturday via their social media accounts.
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The South African tactician elected to step down from his position as described in the club statement, which came after a meeting with club management. MCA also indicated that by activating a clause in his contract to leave will see Mokwena forfeit two months of wages according to the terms.
Mokwena’s departure ends an eight-month spell in charge, during which the only trophy to his credit is an Algerian Super Cup earned following a 1-0 victory over Algerian Cup champions USM Alger back in January. The reigning league champions currently hold a substantial lead at the top of the table and are on course to defend their title.
Mokwena’s MC Alger departure stems from continental failure
But the South African coach, who previously led Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca and Mamelodi Sundowns in his native country, was always likely to leave after failing to succeed in continental competition. MCA exited the CAF Champions League at the group stage after losing to Sundowns away in the final matchday, a result that dropped the club out of a top-2 position.
And the motivation around bringing in the renowned coach was to improve MCA’s fortunes in continental competition. Despite establishing themselves as the dominant club in Algerian club football by winning the last two domestic championships, they only have reached as far as the quarterfinals in the Champions League (2021 and 2025).
Mokwena won three top flight titles with Sundowns in South Africa before embarking on his coaching adventure through North Africa in Morocco and Algeria. The former understudy of famous South African coach Pitso Mosimane began his head coaching career with interim spells at Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.