Rulani Mokwena Claims First Trophy in Algeria as MC Alger Edge USM Alger in Super Cup Derby

Rulani Mokwena has officially lifted his first piece of silverware in Algerian football, guiding MC Alger to a hard‑fought 1–0 victory over fierce rivals USM Alger in the Algerian Super Cup final — a win that further validates the South African coach’s rapid impact since taking charge.

Mokwena’s arrival in Algiers ahead of the 2025/26 season was accompanied by high expectations, and he has responded in emphatic fashion. MC Alger currently sit 12 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table, maintaining imposing consistency under the 39‑year‑old tactician. His side have played 24 matches, suffering only two defeats while securing 15 victories, making MCA the dominant force in the domestic campaign so far.

The Super Cup final, contested between the 2024/25 Ligue 1 champions (MC Alger) and the 2024/25 Algerian Cup winners (USM Alger), served as Mokwena’s first opportunity to turn impressive league form into tangible success. In a tense derby marked by tight margins and disciplined defensive structures, his team demonstrated both resilience and patience.

The breakthrough arrived in the 74th minute, when Zakaria Naidji capitalised on a rare lapse in the USMA defence. The forward found space inside the box and finished clinically, delivering the decisive goal that sealed Mokwena’s first trophy with the historic Algiers club. The strike not only won the match but symbolised the competitive edge MCA have developed under their new coach, a blend of tactical clarity, fitness, and mental sharpness.

For Mokwena, this triumph adds yet another achievement to an already decorated coaching résumé. Prior to his Algerian adventure, he won four Premier Soccer League titles and the African Super League with Mamelodi Sundowns, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most promising modern coaches. His ability to adapt his philosophy to different environments, from South Africa to Morocco, and now Algeria continues to enhance his continental stature.

With the Super Cup now secured and MCA cruising in the league, Mokwena’s project appears ahead of schedule. The club’s ambitions extend beyond domestic dominance, and this early trophy is likely the first of several targets they will pursue aggressively this season.

MC Alger’s victory over their bitter rivals not only strengthens their hold on local bragging rights but also marks the beginning of what could become a defining era under Rulani Mokwena, an era built on discipline, clarity, and a winning identity.