Rulani Mokwena responds to Alger exit and speculation over his future
· The South African
Rulani Mokwena has addressed growing speculation about his future at MC Alger following the club’s disappointing exit from the CAF Champions League.
The Algerian giants were knocked out of the competition after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their final group-stage match on Saturday.
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Reports suggest Mokwena had been tasked with guiding the club to at least the semi-finals, a target he ultimately failed to meet.
Despite continental disappointment, MC Alger remains in a strong position domestically. With more than three months left in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 season, Mokwena’s side sit four points clear at the top of the table and crucially, they still have four games in hand.
Barring a dramatic collapse, the 39-year-old coach looks on course to win the league title in his debut campaign. However, questions remain over whether domestic success will be enough.
Will Rulani survive the chop?
“I don’t know, that’s up to the club. I’m focused on what’s left of the season,” Mokwena said when asked about his future.
“That’s a question that’s not in my control.”
Clubs in North Africa are known for their high expectations, particularly in continental competitions.
While MC Alger have dominated locally, their supporters and management traditionally demand strong performances in the Champions League. Falling short of the knockout stages could therefore place Rulani under significant pressure.
His side struggled for consistency during the group stages and appeared second-best against Sundowns, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level in Africa.
Whether Mokwena will be afforded time to reshape the squad and prepare properly for next season remains to be seen. For now, his focus is firmly on securing domestic silverware but in North African football, league success does not always guarantee job security.