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🛒 تسوق الآنAl-Ittihad Appoints South African Coach Rulani Mokwena on Two-and-a-Half-Year Deal
Al-Ittihad Appoints South African Coach Rulani Mokwena on Two-and-a-Half-Year Deal
Libyan football powerhouse Al-Ittihad has officially announced the appointment of South African coach Rulani Mokwena as the new head coach of its first team, signing the 39-year-old to a two-and-a-half-year contract. Mokwena arrived in Tripoli on Monday evening to formally take charge of the squad, joining from Algerian side USM Alger after Al-Ittihad activated the release clause in his contract, marking one of the most significant coaching moves in Libyan football this season.
Main Facts and Key Details
Mokwena replaces Tunisian coach Khaled Ben Yahia, whose contract was terminated by the club's management despite an impressive run that saw Al-Ittihad top Group Two in the first half of the Libyan Premier League season without a single defeat. Ben Yahia's departure followed mounting criticism from the board over his tactical decisions and public remarks he made regarding the club's recruitment policy, which created friction with the administration. During the transition period, Libyan national team coach Moaz Aboud temporarily managed the team to ensure continuity on the pitch.
The new coach brings substantial continental experience to the role. Mokwena previously led South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns to multiple Premier Soccer League titles and a strong run in the CAF Champions League. He then moved to Morocco's Wydad AC, one of the continent's most decorated clubs, where he continued to add to his growing list of domestic and continental honours. His most recent position was with USM Alger in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1, where he further cemented his reputation as one of Africa's most tactically astute and promising young coaches.
Reactions and Context
Al-Ittihad's board of directors expressed strong confidence that Mokwena's proven track record of success at elite African clubs will translate into tangible results for the Tripoli-based team. In a statement, the club said the appointment is part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the squad and compete for both domestic and continental titles in the upcoming phase of the season. The management highlighted Mokwena's ability to develop young players and implement an attractive, attacking style of play as key factors in their decision.
The decision to part ways with Ben Yahia, despite his unbeaten league record, underscores the exceptionally high expectations at Al-Ittihad, widely regarded as one of Libya's most storied and successful football institutions. Club officials indicated that the separation was driven by a combination of tactical disagreements and the coach's public comments about transfer policy, which had created sustained tension with the board. The move to activate Mokwena's release clause at USM Alger signals the club's determination to secure top-tier coaching talent regardless of the financial cost involved.
Challenges and Outlook
Mokwena faces the immediate challenge of maintaining Al-Ittihad's strong league position while gradually implementing his own tactical philosophy and identity within the squad. With the team currently sitting atop Group Two of the Libyan Premier League, the pressure to deliver results from the outset will be considerable, particularly from the club's passionate fan base. The South African coach will also need to quickly adapt to the unique characteristics of the Libyan football environment, including the competitive landscape and the expectations that come with managing one of the country's biggest clubs.
His two-and-a-half-year contract signals the club's long-term commitment to his vision and provides him with a meaningful window to reshape the team according to his preferences. Mokwena is expected to have a significant say in transfer policy, addressing one of the key issues that led to his predecessor's departure. If the South African can replicate the remarkable success he achieved at Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad AC, Al-Ittihad supporters will have genuine reason for optimism as the team pushes for domestic honours and aims to make a meaningful impact in continental competition in the seasons ahead.
