Rulani Mokwena says the single biggest tool driving his success at MC Alger has nothing to do with touchline theatrics or media soundbites — but everything to do with silence, focus and relentless work.
The 38-year-old coach has made an explosive start in Algeria after a tough opening chapter in Morocco with Wydad Casablanca last season. At Mouloudia Club d’Alger, Mokwena has gone unbeaten since arriving, winning seven and drawing one of their first eight matches in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.
On the continent, MC Alger have already qualified for the CAF Champions League group stages without suffering a defeat, reaffirming why North African clubs continue to view the Soweto-born tactician as one of the most progressive minds on the continent. But for Mokwena, one of the biggest shifts in his development has been away from the cameras.
“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.”
It is a notable evolution for a coach once known for detailed tactical explanations and high media visibility at Mamelodi Sundowns. Mokwena says the experience of coaching in North Africa has sharpened his self-awareness — but, more importantly, deepened his trust in the one attribute he believes separates him from the rest.
“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.”
As his profile continues to grow in the region, Mokwena has also become increasingly honest about the pressures of the job. While his journey has inspired many young coaches, he insists the profession is far from glamorous.
“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.”
Even as he warns of its complexities, Mokwena admits it remains a calling like no other.
“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.
For now, his silence, his work — and an unbeaten record — continue to speak loudest.
