The whirlwind continental journey of Rulani Mokwena has taken another dramatic turn. Just hours after his unexpected departure from Algerian powerhouse MC Alger, the South African tactician is reportedly on the verge of being unveiled as the new head coach of Libyan titans, Al Ittihad.
Despite a dominant domestic run in Algeria, Mokwena is moving further east to Tripoli, having reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the 18-time Libyan league champions.
A Bittersweet Departure from MC Alger
Mokwena’s exit from Algeria comes as a surprise to many, given his immediate impact on the club’s trophy cabinet and league standing:
- Instant Silverware: He secured the Algerian Super Cup within his first six months.
- League Dominance: He left the club sitting comfortably at the summit of the Algerian top flight.
- The Turning Point: It is widely believed that the club’s recent exit from the CAF Champions League created the friction that led to his swift departure.
The New Challenge: Al Ittihad Tripoli
Mokwena isn’t entering a rebuilding phase; he is taking over a side already firing on all cylinders. Al Ittihad currently leads Pool B of the Libyan Premier League after 12 matches.
“Sources have confirmed Al Ittihad have reached an official agreement with Mokwena… he has signed a two-year deal and will be unveiled in the coming hours,” reported iDiski Times.
The move also reunites Mokwena with high-profile talents he reportedly influenced during the off-season, including Thembinkosi Lorch and Stephane Aziz Ki, who joined the Libyan side from Wydad Athletic Club.
Rulani Mokwena’s Coaching Odyssey
Al Ittihad marks the sixth stop in what is becoming one of the most traveled coaching careers in modern African football:
| Club | Region | Key Note |
| Orlando Pirates | South Africa | Professional head coaching debut. |
| Chippa United | South Africa | Short-term developmental stint. |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | South Africa | Highly decorated era of domestic dominance. |
| Wydad Casablanca | Morocco | First foray into North African football. |
| MC Alger | Algeria | Won the Super Cup; unbeaten in the league. |
| Al Ittihad | Libya | Current Destination (2-year deal). |
