Rulani Mokwena leaves MC Alger after eight months in charge

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has officially departed Algerian giants MC Alger after just eight months in charge, Afrik Foot reports.

This brings an abrupt end to his stint with the North African club.

The club confirmed the development in an official statement on Saturday, announcing that Mokwena’s contract had been terminated after the activation of a clause that allows the coach to step down, with the club obliged to pay him two months’ salary.

According to the statement, the decision followed a meeting between Mokwena and the club’s management in which the South African tactician expressed his desire to end his time with the team.

“The management of MC Alger announces the departure of South African coach Rulani Mokwena following the activation of the clause that ends his duties as head coach of the first team,” the club said.

The club added that the contract guaranteed compensation equivalent to two months’ wages should the coach choose to leave.

Rulani Mokwena’s short but impactful spell at MC Alger

Mokwena arrived at MC Alger in mid-2025 after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, taking on one of the most high-profile managerial roles in North African football.

Despite the short duration of his tenure, the 38-year-old enjoyed notable success with the Algerian outfit.

Under his guidance, MC Alger won the Algerian Super Cup, marking Mokwena’s first trophy outside South Africa. The club also remained top of the Algerian Ligue 1 standings for most of the current campaign.

However, the team endured disappointments in cup competitions, exiting both the Algerian Cup and the CAF Champions League during his time at the club.

MC Alger thank Mokwena as next step awaited

In their farewell message, MC Alger expressed appreciation to the South African manager and his backroom staff for their efforts during the eight-month spell.

“The management of MC Alger expresses its gratitude and appreciation to coach Rulani Mokwena and his technical staff for the work and efforts they have put forward during their supervision of the team,” the club added.

“They wish them all the best and success in their upcoming professional stations.”

With Mokwena now officially leaving the Algerian side, attention will turn to his next move as one of the most highly regarded young coaches in African football.