Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has opened up about the pain of leaving the club in an unceremonious manner and what motivated his surprising move to MC Alger in Algeria. Mokwena, who parted ways with Sundowns at the end of the 2022/23 season, cited the allure of competing at the highest level in the CAF Champions League as a major factor behind his decision.
After leaving Sundowns, Mokwena took charge of Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, where he led the team from sixth place to a top-three finish in just one season, securing qualification for CAF competitions. Despite his success, he opted for a move to North Africa rather than returning to the South African league, a decision that stunned many observers.
Mokwena revealed that discussions with the club president, who emphasized a vision for a dynamic style of play, played a significant role in convincing him. “I watched the squad, analysed the games, and felt it was a team capable of adopting the principles I wanted to develop. But Champions League, for sure, was a big motivation. I wanted to compete among the best teams, coaches, and players,” he explained.
Since taking over MC Alger, Mokwena has made an immediate impact. His side has qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage, where they will face his former team, Mamelodi Sundowns. Domestically, MC Alger leads the Algerian Ligue 1 standings despite having three games in hand, highlighting Mokwena’s strong influence on the squad.
Mokwena also credited South African coaching icon Pitso Mosimane for paving the way for Mzansi tacticians in North Africa. He noted that Mosimane’s success with Al Ahly demonstrated the ability of South African coaches to manage high-pressure environments and large squads, earning respect across the continent.
Reflecting on his journey, Mokwena acknowledged the impact of working under Mosimane, saying, “I owe a lot of who I am today to him. His professionalism and success opened doors for coaches like me in North Africa.”
Looking ahead, Mokwena has his sights set on winning both the Algerian Ligue 1 and the CAF Champions League. While domestic glory would be significant, lifting Africa’s premier club trophy would cement his status among the continent’s elite coaches and validate the risks he took after leaving Sundowns.
