Rulani Mokwena unveiled as new coach of Algeria’s Mouloudia Club d’Alger

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena has been named as the new coach of Algerian Ligue 1 champions Mouloudia Club d’Alger.

A statement from the club confirmed: “Rolani Mokwena is the new coach of the dean of the Algerian club. Mokwena, welcome to Mouloudia.”

The 38-year-old South African coach is making a comeback to coaching after he left Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, when the club terminated his contract on May 20. Mokwena had joined the Botola side as head coach, by signing a contract until 2027 but was not able to see it through.

He goes to Alger with a lot of African experience. Mokwena’s first notable foray into football came at Silver Stars, later known as Platinum Stars, where he honed his skills under coaches such as Steve Komphela, Cavin Johnson and Allan Freese.

In 2014, he joined Sundowns where, after excelling with the club’s development team, he was promoted to be one of manager Pitso Mosimane’s assistant managers, alongside Manqoba Mngqithi and Alex Bapela.

Mokwena stayed with Masandawana until 2017, helping the club win the 2016 CAF Champions League title, before taking up a role as the assistant manager to Milutin Sredojević at Orlando Pirates.

He also had a stint at Premier Division side Chippa United on a short-term deal. Before making the move to MC Alger, Mokwena was already being linked with the vacant role at Tanzania Premier League champions Young Africans.

He joined MC Alger, who won the league last season after amassing 65 points from 19 wins, eight draws, and suffered only three defeats. Mokwena will prepare the team for the CAF Champions League slated to kick off in September.