Rulani Mokwena agrees deal to take over ambitious Al-Ittihad project

Discussions are now focused on finalising the length of the contract and the composition of Mokwena’s technical team. It is understood that several members of the coaching staff who worked with him at MC Alger could follow him to Libya.

Mokwena stepped down despite maintaining the Algerian side’s lead at the top of the league table having secured a 2-0 victory over PAC on Friday night.

The South African mentor had been in charge of Mouloudia for just eight months, arriving amid high expectations and quickly established the team as one of the dominant forces in Algeria.

While his domestic campaign showed strong promise, the club’s continental ambitions were halted in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

READ: Orlando Pirates held by Siwelele as Betway Premiership title race intensifies

MC Alger were drawn in a demanding group that included Mokwena’s former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal and Congolese outfit Saint‘Éloi Lupopo.

It’s understood that Mokwena was approached with what has been described as an extremely ambitious long-term project at Al-Ittihad.

The Libyan club has recently embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive, assembling a squad capable of competing with Africa’s elite.

The Tripoli outfit has already secured several high-profile signings as part of a broader strategy aimed at building a team capable of challenging their more established rivals such as Egypt’s Al Ahly and Pyramids FC as well as Sundowns in future continental campaigns.

Al-Ittihad’s proposal to Mokwena reportedly includes not only a lucrative financial package but also significant influence over the sporting project.

At just 39, Mokwena has rapidly built a formidable reputation on the continent, with successful spells at Sundowns, Wydad Athletic Club and most recently MC Alger.

A move to Al-Ittihad, where he will reunite with winger Thembinkosi Lorch, is another big step in an already impressive coaching journey.