Rulani Mokwena, the 38-year-old South African football coach, has taken a significant step in his managerial career by being appointed as the head coach of Algerian champions Mouloudia Alger.
This announcement, made on Monday, ends weeks of speculation about where Mokwena would continue his coaching journey for the 2025/26 season.

Mokwena’s move to Algiers follows a single season stint with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
During his time with Wydad Casablanca, Mokwena managed to finish third in the Moroccan national league.
However, the club failed to qualify for the prestigious CAF Champions League, which was a setback for the ambitious coach.

His new role at Mouloudia Alger presents fresh opportunities and challenges.
Mouloudia Alger is a storied club in Algerian football, known for its passionate fan base and competitive edge in both domestic and continental competitions.

Interestingly, Mokwena will not be the only former South African Premiership coach plying his trade in the Algerian league this season.
He will face competition from two other German coaches who also have South African coaching experience.

Josef Zinnbauer, a German tactician and former Orlando Pirates coach, has been leading JS Kabylie.
Last season, Zinnbauer guided JS Kabylie to second place in the Algerian league, finishing just behind Mouloudia Alger.
This impressive finish earned JS Kabylie a spot in the CAF Champions League, Africa’s premier club competition.

Another German coach, Sead Ramovic, has been at the helm of Chabab Belouizdad.
Ramovic, who previously coached TS Galaxy in South Africa, led Chabab Belouizdad to a respectable third-place finish.
This position qualified the club for the CAF Confederation Cup, the continent’s secondary club tournament.

The presence of these coaches with ties to South African football highlights the growing influence and exchange of coaching talent between African leagues and beyond.
It also sets the stage for intriguing tactical battles in the Algerian championship.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, young Orlando Pirates forward Mohau Nkota is making headlines with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Soweto-based club announced that Nkota will be joining Ettifaq, a Saudi club that finished seventh in the Pro League last season.

Nkota’s rise has been promising.
Last season marked his first full campaign with the Orlando Pirates first team.
He scored 12 goals in 39 appearances, showcasing his potential as a prolific forward.
Notably, he netted three goals in CAF Champions League victories over Algerian clubs Belouizdad and Mouloudia, demonstrating his ability to perform on the continental stage.

At just 20 years old, Nkota’s move to Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in his career.
He will be joining fellow African player Wissam Chaouali, a Tunisian defender, at Ettifaq.
The Saudi Pro League has become an increasingly attractive destination for African players seeking competitive football and lucrative contracts.

In other African football news, Sudanese giants Al Hilal have encountered a setback in their quest to qualify for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
Al Hilal, a club with a rich history and consistent presence in the Champions League since 2004, lost 1-0 to Al Amal Atbara in the fourth round of a mini-league competition.

Despite the loss, Al Hilal remains top of the table, but only on goal difference from Al Zamaleh Umm Ruwaba.
The competition is fierce, with only two points separating seven of the eight contenders.
So far, 16 matches have produced just 18 goals, reflecting the tight nature of the race for top-four finishes that secure places in the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Turning to Angola, Petro Luanda, the country’s reigning champions, have appointed Spanish coach Franc Artiga as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League campaign.
Artiga, 48, replaces former Angola forward Flavio Amado, who had been in charge but lacked the necessary coaching qualifications required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for continental competitions.

Petro Luanda is one of Africa’s most successful clubs, boasting 19 national championships.
They have twice reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, including a memorable campaign in 2001 when they lost to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and more recently to Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca three years ago.

The club’s ambitions remain high as they seek to make a deep run in the continental tournament under Artiga’s guidance.

Meanwhile, Namibia faces logistical challenges in hosting its remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Due to a lack of FIFA-approved stadiums in the country, Namibia will play its home qualifiers against Malawi and Sao Tome e Principe in neighboring Botswana.

The matches, scheduled for September, will take place in Francistown, a city located 440 kilometers northeast of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.
Francistown has previously hosted Namibia’s qualifiers, including matches played in Soweto near Johannesburg.

Namibia’s national team is currently unbeaten in Group H, having recorded three victories and three draws.
They sit second in the group, four points behind Tunisia, a six-time World Cup qualifier.

The team’s strong performance has raised hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Back to Algeria, the question on many fans’ minds is how long Rulani Mokwena will last in this competitive league.
The Algerian championship is known for its passionate supporters and high expectations.
Coaches often face intense pressure to deliver immediate results.

Mokwena’s experience in Morocco and South Africa will be tested as he navigates the challenges of managing a top club in a foreign league.
His ability to adapt tactically and culturally will be crucial for his success.

The presence of fellow South African Premiership alumni, like Zinnbauer and Ramovic, adds an interesting dynamic to the league.
Their shared history and differing coaching philosophies could lead to compelling storylines throughout the season.

African football continues to grow in prominence, with leagues across the continent attracting international talent both on and off the pitch.
Coaches like Mokwena are part of a new wave of African managers making their mark beyond their home countries.

Their journeys highlight the increasing professionalism and competitiveness of African club football.

As the 2025/26 season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how Mokwena’s appointment influences Mouloudia Alger’s campaign.
Will he lead the club to domestic glory and make a strong impact in continental competitions?

Only time will tell, but the excitement surrounding his arrival signals a new chapter for both the coach and the club.

For now, football enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling matches, emerging talents like Mohau Nkota, and the ongoing drama of African club and international football.

We invite readers to share their thoughts on Mokwena’s appointment and predictions for the Algerian league season.
You can leave a comment below or send a WhatsApp message to 060 011 0211.

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African football is evolving rapidly, and stories like Mokwena’s highlight the continent’s potential to produce world-class coaches and players.

As the beautiful game continues to unite people across Africa, the future looks bright for those willing to embrace new challenges and opportunities.