South African trio set to reunite as Rulani assembles technical team in Libya

Rulani Mokwena has officially touched down in Tripoli, and he isn’t arriving alone. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates tactician has begun the meticulous process of assembling his backroom “brain trust” at Al Ittihad Tripoli, turning to familiar faces to spearhead his ambitious project with the 18-time Libyan Premier League champions.

The SA coach joins Al Ittihad after his unexpected departure from MC Alger. Central to his decision to join the Libyan giants was the guarantee of absolute technical autonomy—a power he has immediately exercised by recruiting long-time collaborators Sinethemba Badela and Wendell Robinson.

Rulani Mokwena arrived in Libya on Tuesday, where he was greeted by Badela and Robinson, who had already touched down in Tripoli following the resolution of the coach’s legal hurdles in Algeria.

However, Al Ittihad are yet to make the official announcement of Mokwena’s arrival and his team. Pan-African Football understands that Mokwena also wants to add one more member to his team.

THE RULANI INNER CIRCLE: BADELA AND ROBINSON REUNITE

Leading the technical reinforcements is Badela, a coach whose tactical philosophy is deeply aligned with Mokwena’s “Rhulani-ball” approach. The two have shared a professional bond for years, though they briefly moved in different directions when Badela opted for head coaching opportunities in South Africa rather than joining Mokwena in Algeria. Following short-lived stints at Chippa United and Durban City FC, Badela now reunites with his mentor in North Africa to serve as a cornerstone of the new technical structure.

Joining him is the veteran goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson. Robinson’s inclusion provides a vital layer of continuity and elite-level experience. Having worked alongside Mokwena during high-pressure spells at both Mamelodi Sundowns and MC Alger, Robinson’s presence ensures that the specialised department of goalkeeping remains in trusted hands as the team adapts to Mokwena’s demanding build-up play.

RULANI STRENGTHENING THE BACKROOM AND THE PITCH

The expansion of the technical team is unlikely to stop there. Strong indications suggest that high-profile performance analyst Sbu Makitla is the next name on the list to join the Tripoli-based outfit. Makitla has been an essential part of Mokwena’s success stories at Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club, and his data-driven insights are considered non-negotiable for the coach’s preparation methods.

Mokwena’s influence is already being felt beyond the dugout. On the pitch, he will be managing a squad that features several “General” figures he has previously moulded. Thembinkosi Lorch: The mercurial playmaker who has followed Mokwena’s path from Pirates to Sundowns and Wydad.

Stephane Aziz Ki: The highly-rated creative force who, after being a long-term transfer target for Mokwena during his time at Young Africans, finally gets to work under the South African mentor.

THE MISSION IN TRIPOLI FOR RULANI

The stakes are high for the South African contingent. Al Ittihad Tripoli currently sits atop Group 2 of the Libyan Premier League after 12 matches. However, the path to the title is gruelling; with crosstown rivals Al Ahly Tripoli leading Group 1, Mokwena must guide his side through a high-stakes four-group playoff at the end of the season to secure the championship.

With his “A-Team” now falling into place, Mokwena’s objective is clear: transform Al Ittihad into the undisputed dominant force of African football.