The 38-year-old South African is getting it right in North Africa, where he aims to win the domestic competitions as well as deliver the CAF Champions League title. The former Masandawana tactician is in his second year outside Mzansi with top teams, with a lot of pressure, but is keen on answering his critics by delivering.
The South African tactician extended his unbeaten run in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 as MC Alger secured a hard-fought win over relegation-threatened El Bayadh on Sunday. The result keeps Mokwena’s side firmly atop the standings and adds further momentum to their impressive domestic campaign.
The Brazilians usually kick off their season in high gear, setting the tone to defend their league title. However, the 2025/26 campaign has lacked authority, even though the team tops the log with just three points. The man at the helm did not shy away from laying his cards on the table, acknowledging how this form has created an uneasy atmosphere within the club.
With several new signings still to be properly integrated with the squad, the veteran midfielder has called on the club's supporters to be patient and believes it is only a matter of time until The Brazilians hit the levels they know they are capable of.
The 38-year-old is set to return to South Africa with the Algerian outfit The People's Club in the CAF inter-club competition after being paired with the Brazilians in Group C. The tactician is confident the North African team can defy the odds and get a positive result despite facing one of the most experienced teams in the competition.
The ex-Wydad Casablanca coach is set for a fiery reunion as he faces his former club, Masandawana, for the first time since taking charge of the Algerian giants. The clash comes as the 38-year-old is eager to prove his credentials on continental soil after failing to win the continent's ultimate club competition with the Brazilians. All eyes will be on how the former Orlando Pirates tactician mentor plots against the very system he helped build.
The defending Premier Soccer League champions are working hard towards winning their second star in the CAF inter-club competition. In the 2024/25 edition, Masandawana reached the final but were unfortunate to fall against Egyptian outfit Pyramids, who had beaten Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in the semi-final.
The continental draw at the SuperSport studios on Monday threw up a tough group for The Brazilians. Not only do they face a former coach wise in their ways, but they face opposition who have already proved they can beat South African sides. They also have Sundanese club Al-Hilal, who were quarterfinalists last season.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns trainer is enjoying a purple patch in Algeria, helping his team stay on course to win their league title. Their latest victory comes just after making progress in the CAF Champions League, where they have reached the group stage.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach is at a club where there are high demands for results and not winning the continental competition is regarded as failure. The Algerian giants are known for not being patient with coaches. However, it is an environment he is familiar with after experiencing it at Masandawana and Wydad Casablanca.
The South African's side was made to sweat by their second preliminary round continental rivals, who proved to be a very stubborn opponent. However, in the end, it is Mokwena's team that had the last laugh.
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.
Mokwena's side were unable to secure a victory in the first-leg encounter. The results mean there is everything to fight for in the second-leg showdown set for October 26, as both sides hope to reach the next stage.
The South African tactician took over the Algerian side before the season began, and he hopes to have a successful debut season with them. MC Alger offered him a chance to work in North Africa again after a rather unsuccessful stint with Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.
For the first time since leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, the youthful coach is back in the continent's premier club competition. It is also his first time to lead a North African side in this tournament after failing to help Wydad Casablanca return to Africa, leading to his sacking. He is now in Algeria trying to guide the 1976 African champions to continental glory.
The 38-year-old tactician, who had been linked with Orlando Pirates before he signed for the Algerian outfit, congratulated his players for the victory.
The South African tactician will be keen on bringing in top quality players to strengthen his squad ahead of a busy campaign domestically and on the continent.
While pointing out his ambition with his new club, the South African tactician explains why facing Bucs or Masandawana is a challenge he would be happy to face.
MC Alger
