Rhulani Mokwena speaks about life in Algiers, coaching principles, CAF CL and Sundowns

Rhulani Mokwena speaks about life in Algiers, coaching principles, CAF CL and Sundowns

Author: Maher Mezahi November 27, 2025 Duration: 1:31:58

In this episode of the African Five-a-side podcast, Maher Mezahi sits with MC Algiers coach, Rhulani Mokwena, to discuss his new life in Algiers and his coaching past

Timestamps:


(00:00:17) First impression of Algeria

(00:01:21) How much tourism do you do?

(00:03:02) Best thing about being in Algeria so far?

(00:06:03) Is MC Algiers underrated on the continent?

(00:08:54) Can you tell how much this club means to people?

(00:10:13) Is it heavy running a club that means so much?

(00:12:21) How much North African supporters influence decision-making

(00:15:35) What kind of football does MC Algiers want you to play?

(00:18:55) Baptism of fire despite hot start in the league

(00:24:26) Paradox of technical football vs lack of goals in Algeria

(00:33:58) Playing so many young players so early

(00:39:40) Repositioning Larbi Tabti

(00:43:35) Playing Reda Halaimia as an inverted fullback

(00:47:37) What are "principles" and what yours?

(00:54:37) Keeping players stimulated in training

(00:57:41) Challenging coach on his career management

(01:04:35) Challenging coach on not being "obsessed" with winning CAF CL

(01:09:32) Challenging coach on player vs coach responsibility

(01:17:01) Motivation for beating Sundowns in CAF CL

(01:19:05) How do you feel about Mamelodi Sundowns as a club?

(01:22:07) Coaching with emotion vs coaching emotionally

(01:24:43) Who will win the Afcon?

(01:25:44) A South African youngster that will play in Europe

(01:27:25) Continuing his family's legacy


Shot by Mindak Agency: https://www.instagram.com/mindak.agency

Edited by: Mohamed Benhassir


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Maher Mezahi hosts African Five-a-side, a podcast that uses football as a starting point for much wider conversations. While the beautiful game is the common thread, episodes regularly venture into the intersections of sport with culture, history, and current affairs across the continent. You’ll hear from players, journalists, scholars, and fans, with discussions that might begin with a match or a tournament but often explore the social and political currents shaping those events. This isn’t just a sports analysis show; it’s a nuanced audio journey that reveals how deeply football is woven into the fabric of African life. The podcast is backed by Africa Is a Country and supported by the Open Society Foundation, ensuring a platform for thoughtful, on-the-ground perspectives. Tuning in means getting a richer understanding of the continent’s dynamism, all through the shared language of the world’s most popular sport. Each episode feels like a candid, insightful chat, offering listeners a unique vantage point they won’t find in standard match reports or headlines.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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