South African coach Rulani Mokwena has parted ways with MC Alger by mutual consent, the Algerian club confirmed on Saturday, amid speculation he could soon join Libyan champions Al Ittihad.
Mokwena, who spent eight months at the helm of MC Alger, departs with the club sitting top of the league, enjoying a five-point lead and holding four games in hand over second-placed CS Constantine.
In an official statement, MC Alger said:
“The management announces the departure of South African coach Rulani Mokwena from the club’s technical staff, after the activation of the clause ending his duties as head coach. The contract included a provision requiring the coach to pay two months’ salary should he wish to leave. The decision came after a meeting in which the coach expressed that his experience with the team had reached its conclusion after eight months.”
Mokwena’s exit comes just 24 hours after MC Alger secured a 2-0 win over Paradou AC, and follows interest from Al Ittihad, made public earlier this month.
Al Ittihad executive director Abdelmajid Saleh confirmed ongoing talks, saying:
“Intensive negotiations took place during the past few days with coach Rulani Mokwena, and agreement was reached on all details, but the deal has not yet been made official. Mokwena has a valid contract with MC Alger with a penalty clause for termination. We must see how things unfold with the Algerian club.”
Al Ittihad currently lead their Libyan league group with 10 wins and two draws, although they failed to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stages this season.
Mokwena’s coaching résumé also includes spells at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad Casablanca, highlighting his experience across top African leagues.
