Mokwena tactically ready for Libya Premier League assignment

Al Ittihad coach Rulani Mokwena has spoken of his team’s readiness for his Libyan Premier League first assignment.

In what is the South African’s first league match in charge of the Libyan side, the 18-time champions will meet Shabab Al Ghar on Saturday, 11th April 2026.

Now in his third North African country since leaving the Premier Soccer League (PSL) of South Africa in 2024, Mokwena has shared insights on what he expects from the opposition, Shabab Al Gahr.

Mokwena knows what to expect

“We are prepared to play against Shabab,” the coach told his Libyan Premier League club’s media.

“They play very vertical and very direct. [They have] very good strikers upfront with the mobility and physicality for the duels and of course, with a lot of experience for the second balls in midfield.

[They have] very good centre-backs who deliver early balls behind. It is okay, in this moment we must learn to deal with the long balls and what to do when we regain the ball.”

Importance of Al Ittihad playing with intensity

The former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, who has been with Al Ittihad for three weeks since leaving Algerian side with Mouloudia Club d’Alger (MC Alger) in March 2026, also gave an assessment of his current team’s readiness for the season.

“Physically, we are there. Tactically, we are there. The players are responding. The preparations are good. The team is responding well to the adaptation and the small details we want to make.

We want them to have more of the ball, to express themselves and add intensity to their game,” added the ex-Orlando Pirates interim coach.

Going into the new season, Al Ittihad have played two friendlies and one competitive game in the Libyan Cup, winning twice once and losing once, a sign of progress under the Johannesburg-born mentor.

How ex-Sundowns man found himself in Libya

The PSL title-winner said his primary target remains winning the Libyan Premier League although it would be difficult. Over and beyond that, he wants to build a solid foundation for the Libyan side.

Mokwena picked a job with the Libyan giants after parting ways with MC Alger in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1.

The 39-year-old walked out on the Algerian side after CAF Champions League exit was followed by indifferent results in the domestic league.