We want to dominate African football, says newly appointed Al Ittihad coach Rulani Mokwena

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has wasted no time in setting out his plans after taking the reins at Libyan powerhouse Al Ittihad Tripoli.

The 39-year-old arrives fresh from a successful stint at MC Alger, where he guided the team to the top of the Algerian league and secured the Algerian Cup during an eight-month tenure.

Mokwena, who has previously managed top South African sides including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, has brought his trusted technical team to Tripoli to maintain consistency in his approach.

His staff features assistant coach Sinethemba Badela, goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson, performance analyst Sbu Makitla, video analyst Said El Nahhas, and sports scientist Thabiso Moshane.

Acknowledging Al Ittihad’s illustrious legacy as Libya’s most decorated club with 18 league titles, Mokwena has pledged to steer the team in line with the club’s ambitious goals.

“Well, we know that Al Ittihad is the most decorated club in Libya. We know it’s an incredibly historic club. We know what it means to the people of the country,” Mokwena told the club’s media department.

“We know the passion and the excitement of the fans. And also, its rich history, not just in Libyan football, but also on the continent and in African football. Our ambitions are the same as those of the club.

“We adopt the ambitions of the club, which is, again, to lift the club into its former glory. I remember a few years ago, I think it was the year 2000, and the first time I saw Al Ittihad play in South Africa in the Champions League, it was against Mamelodi Sundowns and they won on penalties.

“So we want to return to that stage, to be one of the dominant forces in African football, to be competing on the continent, but also to win major trophies consistently in our country.”

Mokwena also thanked the club and its supporters for welcoming him and his team, promising to bring joy to the fans.

“To the dean of the Libyan clubs, we say thank you very much for your patience and for really, really encouraging us to join this incredible football club,” added the former Wydad Athletic Club coach.

“Thank you for your love and your support during the difficult period of the last couple of days. We are excited. We’re excited to wear your colours.

“We will be coaching the team, but you can rest assured that now we are also part of the family, and we are one of the supporters, just like you, wanting the team to do well, to sweat blood on the pitch, and to show passion while we represent this incredible football club.”