South African coach Rulani Mokwena has been detained in Algeria, with the South African embassy in Algiers confirming it has been notified of his arrest and is providing him with consular assistance.
The 39-year-old Mokwena was reportedly held after customs officials stopped him at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers amid allegations that he was attempting to leave the country with undeclared foreign currency, which would be a breach of Algeria’s strict currency regulations.
The South African mission in Algeria said it is in contact with Mokwena and supporting him following the arrest.
“The embassy in Algiers can confirm that it was notified of the arrest of Mr Rulani Mokwena [on Sunday], who is alleged to have violated Algeria’s foreign currency regulation(s),” the mission was quoted by The Sowetan on Monday. “The mission is in touch with Mr Mokwena and is providing consular assistance to him.”
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Mokwena had recently left his position as head coach of Algerian side MC Alger after eight months in charge and was expected to link up with Libyan club Al‑Ittihad SC, where former Sundowns player Thembinkosi Lorch now plays.
Reports suggest the arrest came shortly after his departure from MC Alger was announced, and sources close to the coach claim he may not have been fully aware of the local foreign currency laws that led to his detention.
The situation has drawn attention in both sporting and diplomatic circles, with South African officials monitoring developments closely as Mokwena awaits further legal proceedings in Algeria.
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