Rulani Mokwena has received glowing praise from one of Africa’s most respected coaches following his appointment as MC Alger's new head coach.
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The 39-year-old tactician is set to write a new chapter in his North African journey. Following his brief spell with Wydad Athletic Club in Morocco, Mokwena now takes the reins at the reigning Algerian champions, continuing his coaching path in the Maghreb region.
He replaces Khaled Ben Yahia, who led Le Doyen to their ninth Ligue Professionnelle 1 title last season. Expectations will undoubtedly be high for the Johannesburg-born coach to not only maintain domestic dominance but also take the club beyond the CAF Champions League quarterfinals — the stage they reached last term.
One man who believes Mokwena has the credentials to succeed in Algiers is Frenchman Hubert Velud. The 66-year-old has managed a number of high-profile sides across the continent, including the Mali national team, and most recently AS FAR Rabat in Morocco.
While Velud admitted he would have liked the opportunity to coach MC Alger himself, he expressed full support for Mokwena’s appointment and believes the club may offer an environment more suited to the South African’s tactical philosophy.
“Mokwena is a young and ambitious coach, part of a new generation of coaches on the African continent,” the Villefranche-sur-Saone native told Foot Algeriedz.
“He loves to have the ball, relies on building from the back, and prefers a modern attacking style. His approach did not yield positive results in Morocco, but conditions may be better with MC Alger.
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“I would have liked to coach a prestigious club like Mouloudia, but I wish Mokwena every success.”
