Rulani Mokwena's decision to leave MC Alger for Al Ahli Tripoli has been met with speculation, but the South African coach is adamant that financial gain was not the driving force behind his move. Mokwena, who managed Wydad Casablanca before joining MC Alger, revealed that he went several months without receiving a salary during his time at Wydad.
The coach has been quoted as saying that he was already being paid at MC Alger, and that the financial benefits were not the main motivation for his departure. Mokwena's comments come as a surprise, given reports that he earned around 90,000 dollars per month while at MC Alger.
Mokwena's tenure at Wydad Casablanca was marked by controversy, with the coach overseeing 35 matches before his contract was terminated in 2025. The exact reasons for his departure from Wydad remain unclear, but Mokwena has now clarified that he was not paid for several months during his spell in Morocco.
The coach's decision to leave MC Alger has sparked debate, with some questioning why he did not pursue a formal complaint through FIFA despite the reported salary issues. Under FIFA regulations, a coach is permitted to terminate a contract with just cause if a club fails to meet its financial obligations.
Mokwena's decision to prioritise other factors over financial gain is a refreshing change in the world of football, where money often talks. However, the lack of clarity surrounding his departure from Wydad and MC Alger raises questions about the coach's leadership and decision-making skills.
