Mokwena assembles SA backroom staff for Al-Ittihad project

Coaches Sinethemba Badela and Wendell Robinson are among those set to form part of Mokwena’s technical team in Libya, alongside several other staff members who have previously worked with him across the continent.

As previously reported, Mokwena is expected to assume his new role in the coming days after resigning from MC Alger, where he spent eight months in charge and left the club sitting top of the Algerian league standings.

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His move has been driven not only by a lucrative offer, but also by the autonomy granted to assemble his own backroom staff – a key factor in shaping his decision.

Badela, who recently had short stints at Durban City FC and Chippa United, had been unattached before being approached by Mokwena for a reunion. 

Robinson, meanwhile, worked closely with Mokwena at MC Alger this season as part of his technical setup.

The transition has not been without drama. 

Mokwena endured a turbulent few days in Algeria, including being temporarily prevented from leaving the country amid reports related to foreign currency regulations. He was, however, cleared to travel on Monday night, flying via Turkey to get to his final destination and begin his new job. 

Al-Ittihad moved swiftly to secure his services, activating his release by paying four months’ salary to MC Alger – two months in line with contractual obligations and a further two as a goodwill gesture to expedite the deal.

Mokwena now steps into an ambitious project, with the Libyan club aggressively strengthening its squad. 

High-profile arrivals include attackers Thembinkosi Lorch and Aziz Ki, with further reinforcements expected in the next transfer window.

Additional members of Mokwena’s trusted circle, including performance analyst Sbu Makitla and masseur Thabiso Moshane, are also set to join him in Tripoli, having previously worked together at clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club.

Mokwena is understood to have signed a long-term deal and has been tasked with building Al-Ittihad into a dominant force in African football.