Rulani Mokwena explains events leading to Algeria arrest and fine

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has provided clarity on the circumstances that led to his arrest in Algeria over alleged undeclared foreign currency, following reports of a court ruling against him.

An Algerian court is reported to have handed Mokwena a two-month suspended sentence over an undeclared amount estimated at €14,200, while also imposing a fine of 50,000 Algerian dinars.

Following his departure from MC Alger, Mokwena has since moved on to join Libyan side Al Ittihad in a project he had indicated was a possibility even during his time with Wydad Casablanca.

He took charge of 34 matches with MC Alger, winning 20, drawing eight and losing just six. He left the club having won the Algerian Super Cup and with the team currently sitting in first position in Algerian Ligue 1.

Speaking on the recent reports surrounding his arrest, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach provided clarity on the situation.

“We were on our way to Istanbul — it was myself and three other staff members,” Mokwena said, on Marawa Sports Worldwide.

“I felt guilty that I was the only one booked into business class. When we got to the airport, we were told we could upgrade the seats for the staff at the counter, but we could only pay cash.

“We then tried to get some cash to pay for the upgrades. We attempted to do it online, but it was rejected, so we were left with the cash.

“It was four of us and there was no one else we could hand the money to.”

Having spent much of the past nine months working for the current league leaders in Algeria, Mokwena expressed surprise at questions regarding the source of the money.

“How do I work for a club, earn a salary, and still have to declare that I work?” he continued.

“I think the public knows that I was the head coach of MC Alger, number one in the championship, and we had just won the Super Cup—unless I was rendering my services for free,” he said with a chuckle.

“How do you declare something that is already public knowledge? You declare when people are unaware of the facts.

“They knew that we had the currency. It’s a complicated situation with employment regulations, especially for foreigners in Algeria. We couldn’t redeposit the money, and as the head coach of the group, I was responsible for being in possession of it.”

With the Libyan side yet to confirm when the 39-year-old will officially begin his tenure, expectations are that he will start immediately. This will be the third club he has taken charge of in the last two seasons since leaving Sundowns for Wydad Casablanca.

Mokwena explained that his move was driven by a long-term vision, despite interest in him remaining at his previous club.

“It was a difficult decision, but we felt it was the right one. It was motivated by a number of factors, including that the team is in a good position to go on and win a third league title in a row.

“The club convinced us to stay longer. But in this moment I thought to extend a helping hand to a community in Libya, to help a football club that is trying to revive itself on the continent, and what it would mean politically in the country for the people that love the club.

“Those are the things that drive me to make an impact and make a positive contribution.”

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch