MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed the one tool he relies on more than his mouth, which sets him apart from many other coaches across the continent.
Mokwena is currently in charge of the Algerian giants after a season-long stint with Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club.
Unlike in Casablanca, where he had to rebuild a new team and didn’t have the best start, the 38-year-old mentor has enjoyed a remarkable beginning in Algiers. Mouloudia Club d’Alger has remained unbeaten since the Soweto-born coach took charge at the start of the season. After eight matches in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, they have won seven and drawn one.
On the continent, which was Mokwena’s biggest appeal, they qualified for the group stage of the CAF Champions League still unbeaten.
WHAT WEAPON DOES RULANI MOKWENA TRUST MORE THAN HIS MOUTH?
Mokwena, who guided Mamelodi Sundowns to four league titles, shared the lessons learned during his North African dance. The most significant change the former Sundowns mentor has identified in himself is a deliberate shift away from the spotlight and media engagement that once defined his public image.
“I’ve learnt that there’s a lot of reward in silence, working a little bit harder behind the scenes, speaking less in the media and even on social media,” he told SAFJA members during a virtual engagement.
“You hear far less from me than probably it was the norm in South Africa. Maybe that’s because I did a lot of press conferences, and it was mandatory. I just like to sit back and watch my work speak for itself. That’s something I have learnt about myself that I don’t always have to speak or defend myself or focus on things that won’t help me.”
Mokwena emphasised that his success stems from an unmatched work ethic. He believes his ability to lock himself in his work and focus is what truly sets him apart, allowing his results to speak for themselves.
“I always think I’m not the best coach in Africa, but I feel I’m the hardest-working coach. And that I think is something that is a weapon of mine that I have to trust than my mouth.”
While many aspiring coaches look up to his success, the youthful coach painted a stark picture of the job’s difficulty.
“It’s very difficult; many people think it’s easy. This is a very difficult profession; I was telling one of my players not to be as stupid as me to go into coaching.”
However, he quickly balanced this warning with an acknowledgement of the deeper fulfilment coaching offers. “But also, it’s an extremely rewarding profession in the sense that you develop not just qualities of leading yourself but also being able to see and lead others,” he added.
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