Amid mounting pressure following uncharacteristic back-to-back defeats, Rulani Mokwena has read the riot act for his MC Alger players.

The 39-year-old delivered his plea laced with a warning to his players ahead of the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 meeting with JS Kabylie on Thursday. Eventually, the game ended goalless to leave MC Alger still on top.

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— LFP Algeria (@LFP_Algerie) February 25, 2026

For Mokwena, Thursday’s match was an opportunity for his players to make a bold response and bounce back from adversity after losing 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League then 2-1 to MC Oran in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.

The former Orlando Pirates mentor, speaking to his players at the Zéralda Training Centre as quoted by Competition.dz before the match, demanded his players to show their anger and fight for the badge.

“If you are no longer hungry, if you no longer have the strength to carry this project, tell me now,” the coach said before the match.

Mokwena: I am not at MC Alger for salary

“I am not here for a salary. I am here to mark the history of the MCA. Every player has to fight for every ball, defend the shirt and turn frustration into positive energy.

“I want to see warriors, not spectators on the pitch. Everyone must be ready to die for every square metre and for every possession.”

The Africa Football League champion then reminded the MC Alger players that they have an obligation to deliver the goods not only for the club but also for his sake.

What Thursday’s result means to the Algerian league race

“If I am in front of you today, it is because I still believe that you are champions. But my faith is not enough. You will play to make me proud.

“Show me that you have the heart and the will to win. Let every action count, let every effort be transformed into a result..

“We can stay on the ground and cry about the Champions’ League, or we can stand up and shake the stadium. I want to see rage in your eyes, but calm in your feet,” he added.

With four games in hand, MC Alger lead the log table with 37 points, one point ahead of second-placed CS Constantine. JS Kabylie are in the ninth place on the 16-member log table.

Mokwena Issues Strong Ultimatum to MC Alger Players Amid Mounting Pressure

Amid mounting pressure following uncharacteristic back-to-back defeats, Rulani Mokwena delivered a powerful message to his MC Alger players, demanding a reaction and renewed hunger ahead of their crucial Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 clash against JS Kabylie.

The high-stakes encounter ended in a goalless draw, a result that kept MC Alger at the summit of the league table but did little to silence growing scrutiny around the team’s recent performances.

A Call for Response After Consecutive Setbacks

Thursday’s fixture presented an opportunity for the reigning league leaders to restore confidence after suffering consecutive defeats in domestic and continental competition.

MC Alger had fallen 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League before losing 2-1 to MC Oran in the league. The defeats marked a rare dip in form for a side that had previously shown impressive consistency.

Speaking at the Zéralda Training Centre before the JS Kabylie encounter, Mokwena addressed his squad with urgency and emotion.

“If you are no longer hungry, if you no longer have the strength to carry this project, tell me now,” the coach declared.

‘I Am Not Here for a Salary’

The 39-year-old tactician made it clear that his mission at MC Alger goes beyond financial reward.

“I am not here for a salary. I am here to mark the history of the MCA,” he told his players.

He urged them to fight relentlessly and represent the club with pride and intensity.

“Every player has to fight for every ball, defend the shirt and turn frustration into positive energy. I want to see warriors, not spectators on the pitch. Everyone must be ready to die for every square metre and for every possession.”

The strong language reflected the seriousness of the moment, with the coach seeking to spark a psychological shift within the squad.

Belief Still Intact

Despite the setbacks, Mokwena insisted that he still believes in his players’ championship qualities.

“If I am in front of you today, it is because I still believe that you are champions. But my faith is not enough. You will play to make me proud,” he said.

“Show me that you have the heart and the will to win. Let every action count, let every effort be transformed into a result.”

The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach has built his career on tactical structure and mental resilience. His latest message suggests that mentality, rather than ability, is currently his primary concern.