Rulani Mokwena promises to sweat blood for Al Ittihad SC

South African coach Rulani Mokwena has outlined his mission at Al Ittihad SC, promising to sweat blood in his quest to take the Libyan Premier League club back to the top echelon of African football.

The immediate-past handler of MC Alger arrived in Tripoli amid a storm after he and his backroom team were detained at an airport in Algeria for the offence of not declaring hard cash.

 

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The former Orlando Pirates interim trainer eventually made it to Libya on Tuesday after receiving a suspended prison sentence and being fined.

What Rulani Mokwena knows about Al Ittihad SC

Speaking to the media of Al Ittihad SC, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor showed his depth of knowledge of the Libyan club’s rich football heritage and what it means to the country.

“We know that it is the most decorated club in Libya,” Mokwena said. “We know that it is an incredibly historic club, and we know what it means to the people of the country.

“We know the passion and excitement of the fans and its rich history—not just in Libyan football but in African football.”

Asked about his personal ambitions, the 39-year-old stressed the need to match his personal aspirations with those of the 18-time Libyan Premier League champions.

“Our ambitions are the same as those of the club,” the South African explained. “We adopt the ambitions of the club. We want to lift the club to its former glory.

 

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“I remember in the year 2000, the first time I saw Al Ittihad playing in the Champions League was against Mamelodi Sundowns and winning on penalties. We want to return to that stage: to be a dominant force of African football.”

Mokwena stresses importance of Al Ittihad SC consistency

The South Africa’s Premier Soccer League-winning mentor also touched on the aspect of ensuring that Al Ittihad SC achieve consistency on and off the field of play.

“[We want] to consistently win major trophies in our country,” the coach said. “To the dean of the Libyan club, we say: ‘thank you for your patience and for really encouraging us to join this incredible club. Thank you for your love and support during the difficult last few days.

“We are excited to wear your colours. We will be coaching the team, but we are also part of the family. We are one of the supporters wanting the team to do well, to sweat blood on the pitch and to show passion while we represent this incredible club.”

Mokwena left MC Alger at the summit of the Algerian Professional League and after also winning the Algerian Super Cup.

However, the wheels came off after missing out on the primary target of reaching the CAF Champions League business stages.