Rulani Mokwena has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding his recent ‘arrest’ in Algeria, explaining the incident has been widely misunderstood. The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor found himself at the centre of controversy after being detained by authorities at Houari Boumediene Airport shortly after parting ways with MC Alger.
According to reports, Mokwena was stopped by customs officials on allegations of attempting to leave the country with undeclared foreign currency, which violates Algeria’s strict financial regulations.
Speaking to Robert Marawa on Radio 947 from Istanbul, Turkey, where he was in transit to Libya, Mokwena downplayed suggestions of serious wrongdoing.
WHAT RULANI MOKWENA SAID ABOUT THE ARREST SAGA
He described the reports as “sensationalism” before explaining what exactly transpired. “We were on our way to Istanbul, and it was the other staff members and me,” said Mokwena. “I felt a little guilty that I was the only one booked into business class. We then got to the airport, and were told we could upgrade the seats for the staff at the counter [of the airline].
“So we got to the counter and were told we could only pay cash. We then tried to get some cash to pay, and then just to upgrade the seats, but after that, we were told we had to do it online. We tried to do it online, but it was then rejected because it had shut down or the time had lapsed.
“We were still stuck with the cash, and there were four of us, and there was no one else that we could hand over the amount to. That was the scenario, but I don’t know if you can steal your salary or the money you’ve worked very hard for over nine months.”
He noted that the employment regulations in the North African country are particularly complicated for foreigners. Mokwena also stated that they were unable to re-deposit the money and emphasised that, as head coach, he was responsible.
“Even more interesting was that, in terms of the legalities, it was said that the maximum a foreigner could take out of the country was 5000, and if you multiply that by four, it’s 20000, and the money was less than 20000. Things were blown completely out of proportion.”
MOKWENA CONFIRMS AL ITTIHAND TRIPOLI MOVE
Despite the controversy, Mokwena is expected to resume his coaching career imminently, with Al Ittihad Tripoli. Mokwena confirmed he had agreed to take over as head coach at the 18-time league champions. “There was a better opportunity, an opportunity to drive a bigger sporting project…,” he said of his decision to abruptly leave MC Alger. He said he “had a lot of support”, and the Algerian giants tried to persuade them to stay longer.
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