Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has offered a clear glimpse into what he aims to build in a fresh chapter of his career at new club Al Ittihad SC.
The 39-year-old joined the Libyan giants earlier this week after dumping Algerian side MC Alger. Al Ittihad are the third club in North Africa for Mokwena to take charge of, after starting in Morocco with Wydad Casablanca before the MC Alger job.
He replaced Khaled Ben Yahia at the Libyan outfit and, ironically, the Tunisian headed the opposite direction back to MC Alger as Mokwena’s successor. Reuniting with compatriot Thembinkosi Lorch, the South African inherits a team that is on a 12-match unbeaten run in the Libyan Premier League.
They last tasted defeat in October 2025 when Al Masry eliminated them from the CAF Confederation Cup. It was a result which appeared to have complicated Ben Yahia’s life in Tripoli.
Mokwena will be out to help Al Ittihad maintain their lead in Group 2 of the league. They enjoy an eight-point lead at the top of the table and are on course to qualify for the championship round, from which the right to play CAF Champions League football next season will be earned.
RULANI MOKWENA OPENS UP ON AL ITTIHAD VISION
“We know that it’s the most decorated club in Libya. It’s an incredibly historic club; we know what it means to the people of the country. We know the passion and excitement of the fans and the club’s rich history, not just in Libyan football but also on the continent, African football,” said Mokwena.
“Our ambitions are the same as those of the club. We adopt the ambition which is to lift the club to its former glory. I remember years ago, I think it was the year 2000, the first time when I watched Al Ittihad play in South Africa in the CAF Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns and winning on penalties.
“So, we want to return to that stage to be one of the dominant forces in African football, to be competing on the continent, but also to win consistently major trophies in our country.
“To the dean of Libyan clubs, we say thank you very much for the patience and for really encouraging us to join this incredible football club. Thank you for your love and support during the difficult period in the last couple of days,” Mokwena went on.
“But also, we are excited to wear your colours. We will be coaching the team, but you can rest assured that now we are also part of the family, and we are one of the supporters, just like you. We want the team to do well and sweat blood on the pitch and show passion while we represent this incredible football club.”
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