An Esperance de Tunis star, heavily linked with a move to Rulani Mokwena’s MC Algers, has been punished by his club amid growing speculation that he is pushing for a transfer to Algeria.
Check Out: Mokwena: The Players Are Adapting
Just weeks into his new role, Mokwena is already facing a potentially delicate situation at his new club. The 38-year-old Johannesburg native was recently appointed head coach of El Moudiana, and reports suggest a high-profile player is eager to return to the club he once called home.
At the start of last season, the Algeria international made the switch to Tunisia’s most successful club. Despite an excellent debut campaign for the Blood and Gold, scoring 20 goals and registering 16 assists across all competitions — while helping the team secure a domestic treble — the Oran-born forward is rumoured to be pushing for a return to Algeria, where he is said to have deep emotional ties.
In a bid to force a move to Mokwena’s MC Algers, the attacker reportedly skipped Esperance’s pre-season camp. However, according to Afrik Foot, the Tunisian giants are unwilling to let him leave easily.
Though he has since rejoined the squad, his actions haven’t gone unpunished. The club has issued a fine for his disciplinary breach.
“We did not remain passive in the face of his behaviour. He was punished like any other player would have been,” said Esperance spokesperson Walid Guerfala, speaking to Mosaique FM regarding the financial penalty.
Check Out: Zinnbauer 'Eyes' Move For Chiefs Target
It remains to be seen whether the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner will get his wish and reunite with Mokwena in Algiers, or whether Esperance will dig in their heels and retain the services of their talismanic forward.
