Rulani Mokwena given suspended sentence in Algeria

The legal drama surrounding South African tactician Rulani Mokwena in Algeria has reached a conclusion, with the former MC Alger coach now en route to his next destination following a run-in with North African currency laws.

Mokwena was detained at Houari Boumediene Airport on Sunday as he prepared to leave the country to take up a new post in Libya. The detention was sparked by the discovery of an amount of foreign currency exceeding the legal limit allowed to be taken out of Algeria.

“We have just received an update from the court that Mokwena was prosecuted and has been fined and also handed a two-month suspended sentence after being found with 14 200 euros (to be exact) . He was prosecuted for attempting to take foreign currency out of the country” https://t.co/httgama0Vl

— Member (@ThabisoMosia) March 16, 2026

The Court Ruling On The Rulani Mokwena Matter

Leading African football journalist Nazim Bessol provided a detailed update on the situation during an interview on Radio 2000’s Game On with Thabiso Mosia. On Monday night, Bessol confirmed that Mokwena’s case was expedited and heard at the Dar El Beida Court.

🚨UPDATE coach Rulani Mokwena matter in Algeria. 🇩🇿

Leading African football journalist #NazimBessol was on @ThabisoMosia ‘s Game On show on Radio 2000 📻 & confirmed that Mokwena is now at the airport & on his way to Libya 🇱🇾 via Turkey 🇹🇷.

The former @MCAlgiers head coach… pic.twitter.com/9146RTyUvT

— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) March 16, 2026

The court found the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach guilty of attempting to transport approximately $15,000 (roughly €14,200) in cash, which is double the Algerian legal limit of $7,500.

“We have just received an update from the court that Mokwena was prosecuted and has been fined, and also handed a two-month suspended sentence,” Bessol explained. “He was prosecuted for attempting to take foreign currency out of the country.”

Next Stop For Rulani Mokwena: Libya

With the legal hurdles cleared, Mokwena has been released and was spotted at the airport on Monday evening. He is currently travelling to Tripoli via Turkey to finalise his move to Libyan giants Al Ittihad FC.

The 18-time Libyan champions have embarked on an ambitious new project, securing Mokwena on a two-year deal with an option to extend.

Reunion in Tripoli

Mokwena’s arrival at Al Ittihad marks a major “Wydad-era” reunion. He is set to link up once again with star attackers Thembinkosi Lorch and Stephane Aziz Ki, both of whom were signed by the Libyan club from Wydad Athletic Club during the January transfer window.

After a brief but tumultuous exit from Algeria, the focus now shifts back to the pitch as Mokwena prepares to lead one of Africa’s most decorated clubs in their latest chapter.