Newly appointed Al Ittihad coach Rulani Mokwena has outlined ambitious plans to restore the Libyan giants to continental dominance while maintaining consistent domestic success following his appointment this week.
Mokwena, 39, arrives at Al Ittihad after a brief but impactful spell with MC Alger, where he spent just eight months and guided the team to the Algerian Super Cup.
At the time of his departure, the Algerian giants were on the verge of clinching the league title, sitting six points clear at the top with 10 matches remaining and holding three games in hand over second-placed JS Saoura.
Speaking on Ittihad’s media department about his vision for Ittihad, Mokwena made it clear that his ambitions are fully aligned with those of the club.
“Our ambitions are the same as those of the club; we have adopted the ambitions of the club, which is again to lift the club to its former glory,” Mokwena said.
“I remember a few years ago – the first time I saw Al Ittihad play in South Africa, and it was the CAF Champions League against Mamelodi Sundowns, and we won on penalties.
“So, we want to return to that stage and be one of the dominant forces in African football. We want to compete on the continent, but also to win major trophies consistently in Libya.”
Mokwena also highlighted the stature of his new club and the reasons behind his decision to take on the role.
“Well, we know that this is the most decorated club in Libya, and we know it is an incredible historic club because we know what it means to the people of the country,” he added.
“We know the passion and the excitement of the fans. The club also has a rich history not only in Libya but on the continent in African football.”
Currently, Al Ittihad leads the standings in Group 2 of the Libyan Premier League, which operates under a four-group format before transitioning into a playoff system to determine the champion. Mokwena will be tasked with maintaining their strong position while pushing for the league title.
The South African coach has assembled a trusted technical team, bringing in Sinethemba Badela as first assistant coach, Wendell Robinson as second assistant and goalkeeper coach, Sbu Makitla as performance analyst, and Thabiso Moshane as sports scientist.
Egyptian Said El Nehhas, who previously worked with Mokwena at MC Alger, will serve as video analyst.
Mokwena will also reunite with Thembinkosi Lorch, who joined Al Ittihad in January from Wydad Casablanca. Notably, this marks the fourth club where Mokwena has coached Lorch, having previously worked with him at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad.
