I felt ‘humiliated and betrayed’ by MC Alger – Rulani Mokwena

Pyramids FC coach Rulani Mokwena says he felt “humiliated and betrayed” during his brief spell at Algerian club MC Alger, insisting he should not have been held responsible for problems beyond his control.

The South African coach has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from the club, months after his tenure came to an abrupt end.

Mokwena was appointed MC Alger coach in July 2025, replacing Khaled Ben Yahia. He guided the club to the Algerian Cup but left in March 2026, despite the team being in a strong position to challenge for the league title.

At the time of his departure, MC Alger were top of the Algerian league with a five-point advantage and two games in hand.

Mokwena was reported to have resigned before moving to Al-Ittihad Tripoli just days later.

His exit from MC Alger was accompanied by controversy, including reports that he had been arrested at an Algerian airport for allegedly carrying a large amount of cash.

Mokwena has now offered his account of what happened, suggesting that internal issues at the club contributed significantly to his decision to leave.

Speaking on Egyptian television programme Ooda El Lebs, he questioned why he should have been held responsible for matters involving player recruitment and salaries.

“If you believe that I am responsible [for how things ended], that’s fine,” Mokwena said.

“But was it my responsibility to sign the players and pay their salaries? I felt humiliated and betrayed more than anyone else.”

The comments indicate that Mokwena believed he was caught up in problems that extended beyond his responsibilities as head coach.

His departure came despite a promising campaign on the pitch, with MC Alger challenging for the league title and having already secured the Algerian Cup under his leadership.

Mokwena has since moved on to Pyramids FC, where he is attempting to establish himself again in North African football.

The 39-year-old has previously enjoyed success with Mamelodi Sundowns, where he helped develop a distinctive style of play before moving abroad.

His latest comments provide further insight into the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from MC Alger and underline the tensions that developed during his time in Algeria.