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Rhulani Mokwena, MC Alger 16-9GOAL GFX
Celine Abrahams

Rhulani Mokwena is quietly rebuilding his reputation in Algeria but faces critical week that will define his MC Alger tenure and his career ambitions

The South African tactician is unbeaten in Algeria’s top flight and finally winning over fans and media. But this week brings a defining double-header: a league clash and a CAF Champions League decider. Two wins could elevate his comeback. Anything less, and his North African ambitions may be paused.

Rhulani Mokwena’s journey from South Africa’s touchlines to Algeria’s dugouts has been anything but smooth. After a dramatic exit from Mamelodi Sundowns and a bruising stint at Wydad Casablanca, many doubted he’d bounce back. But at MC Alger, he’s unbeaten in the league and tactically sharper - a coach reborn.

Now, the stakes rise. First, a must-win league clash against bottom-placed Paradou. Then, a CAF Champions League decider against Cameroonian champions Colombe. The first leg ended 1-1 away. Only victory will do.

Two wins this week could cement Mokwena’s redemption and prove he belongs among Africa’s elite. Anything less, and his North African coaching dream may stall before it truly takes flight.  

Here, GOAL takes a look at the former Orlando Pirates tactician’s career path and the change of fortunes in Algeria.

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  • Rhulani Mokwena, Mamelodi SundownsBackpage

    Rise and rift at Sundowns

    Mokwena’s ascent at Mamelodi Sundowns was marked by tactical brilliance and domestic dominance. He helped shape one of South Africa’s most formidable sides, blending possession play with pressing intensity. 

    Yet his departure in July 2024 was abrupt and jarring - a split that left fans and insiders speculating about internal tensions and unmet ambitions.    

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  • Rhulani Mokwena, Wydad AC,March 2025.Wydad AC

    Wydad wreck: Lesson in fire and fallout

    After parting ways with the Brazilians, Mokwena’s move to Moroccan giants Wydad was meant to be a leap into continental prestige. Instead, it became a cautionary tale. Mokwena struggled to adapt to the intense scrutiny and cultural expectations of North African football.     

    Poor results, strained media relations, and a disconnect with the fanbase led to a swift and painful exit. It was a humbling chapter - one that could’ve ended his ambitions of coaching in the region altogether.  

  • Rhulani Mokwena, MC AlgerMC Alger

    Redemption in Algiers: Smarter, sharper Mokwena

    Enter MC Alger. The reigning Algerian champions took a calculated gamble on Mokwena, and so far, it’s paying off. Unbeaten in the league (P4 W3 D1 L0), his side sits five points off the top with four games in hand - a position of quiet strength. 

    More importantly, Mokwena has recalibrated his approach: he’s more measured with the media, more connected to fans, and tactically more pragmatic. The scars from Wydad have made him wiser, and MC Alger are reaping the benefits.    

  • Rhulani Mokwena, MC AlgerMC Alger

    Paradou and Colombe await

    This week could define everything. First, a midweek clash against bottom-of-the-table Paradou - a must-win to maintain league momentum. But Mokwena must also rotate wisely, preserving key players for the weekend’s CAF Champions League showdown against Cameroonian champions Colombe. 

    The first leg ended 1-1 away; now, only a win will do. Failure to reach the group stages would be catastrophic for MC Alger’s ambitions and for Mokwena’s job security.  

  • Rhulani Mokwena of MC Alger 16-9GOAL GFX

    Two games, two wins or the curtain falls?

    The stakes are brutal. Win both, and Mokwena solidifies his comeback, proving he belongs among Africa’s elite tacticians. Slip up, and his tenure could end before it truly begins. 

    MC Alger want continental glory, not early exits. For Mokwena, this isn’t just about results; it’s about legacy, redemption, and the right to dream again in North Africa.  

  • Rhulani Mokwena, May 2025Backpage

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