‘Sensationalism’ – Rulani Mokwena breaks silence on alleged arrest in Algeria

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has dismissed reports claiming he was arrested in Algeria following his departure from MC Alger.

Alger announced Mokwena’s exit on Saturday after a nine-month stint that saw him lift a cup and guide the team to the top of the league standings.

However, rumors emerged on Monday suggesting he had been detained at the airport while carrying a large sum of money allegedly in violation of Algerian law.

Speaking to 947’s MSW, Mokwena described the reports as “sensationalism” and emphasized that they were far from the truth.

“Sensationalism. We live in this world, isn’t it? We live in a world where it’s what sells, it’s what makes people extremely interested in general affairs and public affairs,” Mokwena said.

“It doesn’t bother me because I think this is the world we live in now. Society, driven by social media and public interest, has shifted. What used to be the primary focus has, most of the time, been pushed to the periphery.”

Mokwena then detailed the events at the airport as he and his technical team prepared to leave Algeria for Istanbul on their way to Libya.

“Well, we were on our way to Istanbul, and it was myself and three other staff members. I felt a little bit guilty that I was the only one booked into business class, and we then got to the airport and went to the airline.

“We were told we could upgrade the seats for the staff at the counter,” he explained.

“We got to the counter and were told we could only pay cash. We then tried to get some cash to pay and upgrade the seats, and after that, we were told we had to do it online.

“We tried to do it online, but it was rejected because it had shut down or the time had lapsed, whatever the reason may have been, and then we were still stuck with the cash.

“There were four of us, and there was no one else we could hand over the amount to, and that was the scenario,” the ex-Wydad AC coach went on.

“But I don’t know how you can steal or steal your salary or money that you have worked very hard for nine months, have worked very hard for it.”

Mokwena has now been confirmed as the new head coach of Al Ittihad in Libya, where he will be reunited with his former player Thembinkosi Lorch.