Rulani Mokwena handed ‘suspended prison sentence’ after MC Alger exit

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has been handed a two-month suspended prison sentence following his departure from Algerian club MC Alger.

Mokwena’s exit came just eight months into his tenure as head coach, with Khaled Ben Yahia, the coach he had originally replaced, reinstated at the club.

Reports indicate Mokwena is set to reunite with Ben Yahia once more, this time taking over at Libyan side Al-Ittihad.

The circumstances surrounding Mokwena’s departure have drawn attention after an Algerian misdemeanour court sentenced the 39-year-old for violating currency and money transfer regulations.

During an airport search while traveling to Libya via Istanbul, authorities reportedly discovered €14,200 in undeclared foreign currency in his possession.

Mokwena allegedly claimed he was unaware of Algerian laws requiring the declaration of funds when leaving the country and requested leniency.

Following his exit from MC Alger, Mokwena received two months’ salary in line with the terms of his contract termination.

He is now preparing for a long-term role at Al-Ittihad, where he has begun assembling a South African-dominated technical team.