Is the sun setting on Rulani in Algiers? Mokwena hints at exit

MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has fuelled speculation regarding his future in North Africa following a devastating exit from the Coupe d’Algeria.

The South African tactician delivered a series of cryptic remarks after his side succumbed to a 3-2 defeat against Sead Ramovic’s CR Belouizdad on Tuesday night.

The loss marks a significant low point for the “Dean” of Algerian football, who have now endured three defeats in their last four outings. With their CAF Champions League journey having already ended in the group stages, the Algerian Ligue 1 remains the only piece of silverware left for Mokwena to defend this season.

Rulani Mokwena: ‘I Don’t Want to Do Speeches’

Speaking in a sombre post-match press conference, Mokwena—who has been heavily linked with a lucrative move to Saudi giants Al Ittihad—was blunt about what the result signifies for his tenure.

“I don’t want to do speeches; we have leaders in the group,” a visibly frustrated Mokwena told the media. “The result on the pitch speaks for itself. Teams that want their coach to stay, they win those types of games.”

Despite the heavy subtext of his departure, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor was quick to shield his squad from the fallout, taking full accountability for the tactical shortcomings that led to the cup exit.

“Football is a game of mistakes and never, ever, ever, ever—I’m not this person, I’m very grateful that I was raised in this manner—I will never throw the players under the bus. It’s my mistakes, my decisions [that cost us]. These players have given me nothing but their best from the day I arrived here.”

Contractual Objectives in the Spotlight

Rulani Mokwena also addressed the recent leak regarding his contractual obligations. It is now public knowledge that his mandate included a semi-final berth in the CAF Champions League—a target that was not met following a premature group-stage exit.

“What was important for the season was to do better than last season in all competitions. This was the objective,” Mokwena added. “And that’s why even it’s in my contract… there were two very important objectives: defend the championship and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.”

While Rulani Mokwena acknowledged that his side has technically improved in the domestic cup compared to last season’s Round of 32 exit, he admits that at a club of MCA’s magnitude, “progress” is no substitute for trophies.

“Under normal circumstances, we have made two big steps in the Algerian Cup because last season we lost in the Round of 32… but in big clubs, you don’t work like that; in big clubs, you win or nothing. You cannot be praised for getting closer; that is the reality.”

The Comparison: Regression or Progression?

Last season, MCA enjoyed a dominant run, winning the Algerian league, reaching the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League (where they lost to Orlando Pirates), and clinching the Algerian Super Cup. Their only major blemish was a Round of 32 exit in the Coupe d’Algerie.

This season, the picture is more complex. While Rulani Mokwena has already secured the Super Cup and has his side sitting top of the Algerian Ligue 1, his continental ambitions were cut short in the group stages. Furthermore, despite “jumping two steps” in the domestic cup by reaching the quarter-finals, the exit at the hands of Ramovic’s side has left the coach questioning his standing with the group.

As speculation regarding the Saudi Pro League intensifies, Rulani Mokwena’s immediate focus remains on defending the league title. However, his latest comments suggest that even a league trophy might not be enough to prolong his stay in Algiers.