Rulani Mokwena has officially left Algerian Ligue 1 champions MC Alger to take over as head coach of Libyan giants Al Ittihad SC.
Mokwena has been linked with the Libyan clubs for several months, who have been long-term admirers of the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor.
And after the recent departure of Khaled Ben Yahia, the pursuit of his services intensified and speculation at MCA was in over-drive over a upcoming seperatation.
This was driven further when he recently stated after the Algerian Cup exit that; ‘these are the types of games squads win if they want their coach to stay at the club’.
Mokwena was also critical of the lack of attacking reinforcements for the squad and general transfer policy in Algerian football that prevents foreign players over the age of 30 or without international caps to be able to be registered in the league.
“The decision came after the coach’s meeting with the club’s management, during which he expressed his conviction to end his experience with the team, after a career that lasted eight months,” read part of the MC Alger statement.
“During this period, Mokwena managed to lead the dean to crown the Algeria Premier Cup title “Super Cup”, the team under his supervision has maintained the top of the professional league ranking since the first rounds of the season, in an experience that also saw the team exit from the competitors of the Copa Algeria and the CAF Champions League.
“The management of MC Algeria would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to coach Rolani Mokwena and his technical staff for the work and efforts they have put forward during their supervision of the team, they wish them all the best and success.”
Sources have confirmed Al Ittihad have now reached an official agreement with Mokwena, who also made headlines with the off-season signings of Thembinkosi Lorch and Stephane Aziz Ki from Wydad Athletic Club.
Mokwena is expected to be unveiled in the coming days, after agreeing a two-year deal with an option to extend to lead the new ambitious project of the 18-time league champions based in Tripoli.
