Rulani Mokwena Detained in Algeria Following MC Alger Departure

Former MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena was reportedly stopped by customs officials at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers amid allegations of attempting to leave the country with undeclared foreign currency.

As per Afrik-Foot, the incident occurred less than 24 hours after the South African coach and the Algerian club mutually agreed to terminate his contract, ending his eight-month tenure.

According to Algerian news outlet El Haddaf, airport authorities intercepted Mokwena as he was preparing to fly out of Algeria. The case has since been referred to the court in Dar El Beida, which has jurisdiction over legal matters concerning the capital's airport.

While the specific amount of money involved has not been made public, the investigation is focused on the undeclared foreign currency. Algeria enforces strict financial regulations regarding the movement of cash across its borders.

News of the airport incident was first shared on social media by Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who credited Algerian reporter Nazim Bessol for the information.

Mokwena's departure from MC Alger was confirmed on Saturday. The club announced that the coach had activated a clause in his contract that permitted an early exit, with the club agreeing to pay him two months' salary as compensation.

During his time with the team, Mokwena led MC Alger to a victory in the Algerian Super Cup and maintained a strong position at the top of the league table for a significant portion of the season. However, his spell also included disappointing exits from both the Algerian Cup and the CAF Champions League.

Prior to the airport incident, media reports in North Africa had already linked Mokwena to a potential coaching role at Libyan club Al-Ittihad SC. A move there would see him reunite with Thembinkosi Lorch, a player he managed at both Wydad Athletic Club and Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, the ongoing legal situation in Algiers could potentially complicate any immediate career moves for the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach.

As of now, neither Mokwena nor his representatives have released an official statement on the matter. Algerian authorities have also remained silent. The story is still developing, with further details expected as the legal process unfolds.