MC Alger manager Rulani Mokwena has admitted that he wants to sign Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, but highlighted the barriers to doing so while sharing the player’s true ambition.
Supporters of Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 outfit MC Alger were given a closer look at Relebohile Mofokeng during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the highly-rated 21-year-old featured for Bafana Bafana.
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The Orlando Pirates attacker made two appearances at the tournament, first coming off the bench in South Africa’s group-stage clash against Egypt, before earning a starting role in the Round of 16 defeat to Cameroon, where he was later substituted.
The MC Alger fans’ interest in the South African has been echoed by Mokwena, who openly admitted his admiration for the young forward.
It has since been revealed by Mokwena that both he and the club’s supporters would love to see the Pirates star don the green and red of MC Alger.
However, the South African tactician was quick to explain that the move is far from straightforward.
“I know the fans want Mofokeng. I know this, and believe me, I want Mofokeng as well,” the former Mamelodi Sundowns manager said while speaking at a press conference per sports broadcaster Karabo Selebalo Phasha.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns manager then went on to reveal that the player’s ambition stretches well beyond the continent.
“He’s a South African player that I speak to also about certain things in South African football but it is not a transfer – not just from a financial perspective – because I can tell you the player has had many, many offers and has set his sights on going to Europe.
“So I can talk about it because it’s just as an example that the club is ambitious. The club has explored that possibility, but the player has no ambitions to play in Africa. So it’s not a lack of ambition from the president.”
While a move for Mofokeng may be unlikely, MC Alger have nonetheless demonstrated their intent in the current transfer market.
The Algerian giants recently secured the signing of Chahreddine Boukholda, underlining the club’s determination to strengthen under Mokwena’s leadership.
Boukholda, upon completing his move, spoke highly of the South African coach, crediting him for personally pushing for the transfer and outlining a clear vision for the team.
The new signing praised Mokwena’s belief in his abilities and described him as a coach with strong ideas and a clear project, factors that played a major role in convincing him to join MC Alger.
The South African tactician led his to a 1-0 win over CS Constantine in a league encounter on Monday.
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A stoppage time goal by Zinedine Ferhat ensured that his side walked away with all three points to maintain their place at the top of the table.
Mokwena’s side now has 35 points after 14 matches, leading second-placed CR Belouizdad by a whopping 11-point margin.
