Rulani Mokwena to leave Al Ittihad after four-month spell?

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena is reportedly on the verge of leaving Libyan side Al Ittihad SC after just four months in charge.

According to reports from Libya, Mokwena has reached a mutual agreement with the club to part ways following a disappointing conclusion to the 2025/26 season.

The South African tactician was appointed in March, inheriting an Al Ittihad side that was unbeaten and sitting at the top of the league standings.

Expectations were high that he would guide the club to domestic success, but results took a downturn once the championship playoffs began.

Al Ittihad ended the regular season strongly with three victories and a draw. However, their form dipped significantly in the decisive playoff phase, managing only two wins, two draws and one defeat.

The disappointing run saw the club slip out of the CAF inter-club qualification places.

The season ended on another sour note when Al Ittihad suffered a 2-0 defeat to fierce rivals Al Ahli Tripoli in the Libyan Cup final, further increasing pressure on Mokwena and the club’s hierarchy ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Mokwena’s move to Libya came midway through the season after a successful spell with Algerian champions MC Alger.

During his time in Algeria, he guided the club to the Algerian Super Cup and had them comfortably leading the Ligue 1 table before accepting Al Ittihad’s offer.

MC Alger went on to secure the league title after his departure, while Mokwena’s ambitious project in Tripoli failed to deliver the desired results.

Although neither Mokwena nor Al Ittihad have officially confirmed the separation, reports suggest an announcement is expected soon, bringing an early end to the South African coach’s brief stint in Libyan football.