Things are looking hazy for Rulani Mokwena in the top-flight league of Algeria, with the celebrated South African coach subjected to heavy sanctions.

The MC Alger trainer is among coaches and players who have been fined and warned for misconduct towards referees during last week’s Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 matches.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor is said to have remonstrated against the officiating personnel during his team’s league match against eventual 2-1 winners MC Oran last Friday.

Why Rulani Mokwena has been fined, warned

The opponents’ players and coaches have also been penalised.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Algeria’s Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) announced that it had penalized Mokwena for his conduct during the game.

The former Orlando Pirates trainer has been fined $770 (100,000 DZD) as a caution for protesting against the referees, $307 (40,000 DZD) for ‘deliberate accumulation of yellow cards’ and $770 as a final warning before a harsher penalty for “refusal to attend the post-match press conference.”

Who else has been penalised in Algerian league?

Additionally, the disciplinary committee of LFP also fined MC Alger captain Abdellaoui Ayoub and goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz $770 each as a caution for protesting against the whistle men.

This is a latest setback for Mokwena who is still trying to come to terms following back-to-back 2-0 and 2-1 losses to Sundowns in the CAF Champions League and MC Oran in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.

Nonetheless, with four games in hand, MC Alger lead the log table with 36 points, one point ahead of second-placed CS Constantine. JS Kabylie occupy 11th place in the lower half of the 16-member league.

There are also heavy penalties for MC Oran’s Mourabak Omar, Kaddour Oussama Safa, Moulay Abdelkader, goalkeeper coach Saoula Karim, who have all been fined $770 each for offences ranging from protesting against referees, throwing fireworks onto the pitch to deliberate accumulation of yellow cards.

Major Controversy: Rulani Mokwena Hit With Heavy Sanctions in Algerian League

Things are becoming increasingly tense for Rulani Mokwena in Algeria’s top-flight football, with the South African coach now facing significant disciplinary sanctions. The MC Alger head coach has been fined and formally warned following incidents during last week’s Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 fixtures.

The sanctions come at a sensitive stage of the season, with MC Alger still competing strongly in the domestic title race. However, the spotlight is now firmly on Rulani Mokwena after disciplinary action was confirmed by Algeria’s Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

Why Rulani Mokwena Has Been Fined and Warned

According to the official statement released by the Ligue de Football Professionnel, Rulani Mokwena was penalised for misconduct toward match officials during MC Alger’s 2-1 defeat to MC Oran.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach reportedly protested several refereeing decisions during the match. League authorities ruled that his conduct breached regulations governing respect toward referees.

The disciplinary sanctions handed to Rulani Mokwena include:

• $770 (100,000 DZD) fine as a caution for protesting against referees

• $307 (40,000 DZD) fine for deliberate accumulation of yellow cards

• $770 fine and final warning for refusal to attend the mandatory post-match press conference

The refusal to attend the press conference appears to have played a major role in the severity of the punishment. League rules require coaches to participate in post-match media duties, and failure to comply can result in additional sanctions.

This final warning indicates that any further misconduct from Rulani Mokwena could lead to heavier punishment, potentially including suspension.

What This Means for MC Alger’s Title Ambitions

For MC Alger, the key concern is stability.

While the financial fines are manageable, the official warning could have serious consequences if similar incidents occur again. A suspension for Rulani Mokwena at this stage of the season would disrupt tactical preparation and match-day management.

However, experienced coaches are often judged by how they respond to adversity. If Rulani Mokwena can channel this frustration into improved focus and disciplined performances, the controversy could become a turning point rather than a setback.

Leadership, composure, and tactical clarity will now be essential.

Final Analysis

Rulani Mokwena built his reputation in South African football through structured systems, tactical innovation, and competitive success. His move to Algeria presented a new challenge — one that involves adapting not only to a different football culture but also to stricter disciplinary enforcement.

The latest sanctions serve as a reminder that managing emotions in high-pressure environments is just as important as tactical decision-making.

With MC Alger still leading the table, the season remains full of possibility. The coming weeks will determine whether this episode becomes a temporary distraction or a defining chapter in Rulani Mokwena’s Algerian journey.

For now, all eyes remain on how the South African coach responds.

Major Controversy: Rulani Mokwena Hit With Heavy Sanctions in Algerian League

Things are becoming increasingly tense for Rulani Mokwena in Algeria’s top-flight football, with the South African coach now facing significant disciplinary sanctions. The MC Alger head coach has been fined and formally warned following incidents during last week’s Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 fixtures.

The sanctions come at a sensitive stage of the season, with MC Alger still competing strongly in the domestic title race. However, the spotlight is now firmly on Rulani Mokwena after disciplinary action was confirmed by Algeria’s Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP).

Why Rulani Mokwena Has Been Fined and Warned

According to the official statement released by the Ligue de Football Professionnel, Rulani Mokwena was penalised for misconduct toward match officials during MC Alger’s 2-1 defeat to MC Oran.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach reportedly protested several refereeing decisions during the match. League authorities ruled that his conduct breached regulations governing respect toward referees.

The disciplinary sanctions handed to Rulani Mokwena include:

• $770 (100,000 DZD) fine as a caution for protesting against referees

• $307 (40,000 DZD) fine for deliberate accumulation of yellow cards

• $770 fine and final warning for refusal to attend the mandatory post-match press conference

The refusal to attend the press conference appears to have played a major role in the severity of the punishment. League rules require coaches to participate in post-match media duties, and failure to comply can result in additional sanctions.

This final warning indicates that any further misconduct from Rulani Mokwena could lead to heavier punishment, potentially including suspension.

Wider Disciplinary Action in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1

Rulani Mokwena was not the only individual sanctioned.

The LFP disciplinary committee also fined several players and staff members from both MC Alger and MC Oran, underlining a broader crackdown on indiscipline.

For MC Alger:

• Captain Abdellaoui Ayoub was fined $770 for protesting refereeing decisions.

• Goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz received the same fine for similar conduct.

For MC Oran:

• Mourabak Omar

• Kaddour Oussama Safa

• Moulay Abdelkader

• Goalkeeper coach Saoula Karim

Each of the above individuals was fined $770 for offenses ranging from protesting against referees to deliberate accumulation of yellow cards and throwing fireworks onto the pitch.

The disciplinary wave highlights the league’s determination to protect match officials and maintain order during competitive fixtures.