MC Alger's Rhulani Mokwena responds to rumours he is targeting Elias Mokwana's 'most talented' teammate - 'I followed closely during the FIFA Club World Cup'

South African coach Rhulani Mokwena is in his second stint as a coach outside his native country.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician's first spell was with Wydad Athletic Club in the Botola Pro League in Morocco in the 2025/26 campaign, but lasted barely a year.

Algerian heavyweights MC Alger recently confirmed the 38-year-old as their new man, just a couple of weeks ahead of the new campaign.

Mokwena has already confirmed he will be strengthening his team to stand a chance of delivering in the Caf Champions League.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to MC Algers is Elias Mokwana's teammate at Esperance, Youcef Belaili.

However, Mokwena refused to confirm or deny the rumours, insisting he can't discuss a player contracted to another team.

Nevertheless, he conceded that the attacker is talented, and his quality at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was evident.

"I was expecting this question. Belaili is one of the players I followed closely during the FIFA Club World Cup," the 38-year-old responded according to Foot Africa.

"He’s among the most talented individuals I’ve faced, especially in the matches between Espérance and Mamelodi Sundowns. But I can’t say more - he still belongs to another club," Mokwena concluded.

Mokwena conceded he has limited time to prove he is the right man to help MC Alger deliver.

Last season, they won three domestic trophies but still parted ways with Tunisian head coach Khaled Ben Yahia, giving some insight into the pressure Mokwena will face in Algeria with his new side.

Mokwena would have sought assurances that the club will fight for certain transfer targets ahead of signing on as he will be judged more on his club's performance in continental competition where last season they fell in the quarter-final to Orlando Pirates.