I almost joined Al Ahly – South African and MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena reveals

MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed that he came close to taking the reins at Egyptian giants Al Ahly after his stint with Chippa United.

Mokwena’s time with the Chilli Boys was brief, joining the Eastern Cape side from Orlando Pirates in 2020. Prior to that, he had served as an assistant at Pirates, following a spell at Mamelodi Sundowns under Pitso Mosimane.

After leaving Chippa, Mokwena returned to Sundowns, initially as an assistant before stepping up as co-coach alongside Manqoba Mngqithi following Mosimane’s departure.

He was later promoted to head coach but was relieved of his duties at the end of the 2023/24 season. Mokwena then joined Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, where he spent eight months.

Speaking on the African Five-a-side podcast, the 38-year-old revealed that during his time as a free agent, he was in discussions with Al Ahly amid uncertainty over then-coach Marcel Koller’s future.

“After Chippa United, I was fortunate enough to go back to Mamelodi Sundowns. After that,  there was talk of me going to Al Ahly,” Mokwena said.

“This was after Sundowns, not only with coach Pitso Mosimane, but after Sundowns, although they had Marcel Koller, but there were a lot of talks between my representatives and Al Ahly.

“Had I been a bit more patient, probably [he would have joined Al Ahly]…but I don’t think going to Wydad was a mistake.

“I think it was an incredible, I tell you, it was an incredible eight months for me. Unbelievable, and I have no regrets for also going to MC Alger.”

Ultimately, Mokwena chose to join Algerian heavyweights MC Alger, while Al Ahly appointed former Orlando Pirates manager José Riveiro following Koller’s departure.