I am not moved by money, says newly appointed Al Ittihad coach Rulani Mokwena

Newly appointed Al Ittihad Tripoli coach Rulani Mokwena says he did not join the side because of money.

Speaking to Radio 947, the South African tactician opened up about his decision to leave MC Alger and take on the challenge of reviving one of Libya’s most storied football clubs.

“Well, I was already paid a salary at Mouloudia [MC Alger],” Mokwena said, dismissing the notion that financial incentives motivated his move. “If anybody knows me and speaks to the people that know me, I worked in Wydad for eight, nine months without a salary. I am not moved by money, believe me. There was a lot more on the table than just financial perks and people don’t even know.”

He laughed off the exaggerated figures being circulated in the media.

“Imagine, I just laugh and sometimes I say I wish that’s what they were offering but it’s far from it. And there’s a lot more from a sporting perspective. There’s a lot more from a possibility to do more, to stretch myself more, to test myself more, to challenge ourselves more, to work again with people who have made incredible sacrifices and contributions to me personally. And to also look to help those people also expand their careers and grow more.”

Mokwena acknowledged that loyalty is often raised as a reason for coaches to stay put, but his experience has taught him that past faithfulness does not always bring reward.

“Maybe the question can be loyalty. But I know what being loyal to a football club — not once, not twice, but three times — has gotten me. And sometimes you have to make decisions not from that perspective and history has taught me that.”

Instead, Mokwena framed his move as a broader mission: helping a community and a country through football.

“I was loyal to many football clubs in my career and there was no reward thereafter, but in this moment I thought to extend a helping hand to a community in Libya, to help a football club that is trying to revive itself on the continent, for the country and what it would do politically in the country for people that love the club. We all know the political situation, but we also know the power that football offers to people and to a country.”

For Mokwena, the role at Al Ittihad is more than just coaching — it is an opportunity to challenge himself, contribute to a community, and demonstrate the transformative power of football beyond the pitch.