Rulani Mokwena breaks silence on Libyan salary rumours

Fresh from his sudden departure from Algerian giants MC Alger, Rulani Mokwena has hit back at reports surrounding his move to Libya’s Al Ittihad, dismissing claims that he was lured by a staggering tax-free salary.

The 39-year-old tactician, who recently signed with the 18-time Libyan Premier League champions, has been the subject of intense speculation. Reports suggested a net monthly salary of US$100,000 (approx. R1.85 million), but Mokwena insists the “numbers being bandied about” are wide of the mark.

‘I’m Not Moved by Money’: Rulani Mokwena

Speaking to Robert Marawa on Radio 947, the former Mamelodi Sundowns mentor was candid about his motivations. Mokwena pointed to his track record as evidence that his career decisions are rarely driven by the bottom line.

“I see the numbers, and I just laugh. I sometimes wish that’s what they were offering,” Mokwena quipped. “If anybody knows me, I worked at Wydad for eight or nine months without a salary. I’m not moved by money, believe me.”

Rulani Mokwena’s move to Tripoli comes at a peculiar time. He left MC Alger sitting at the summit of the Algerian league with a Super Cup trophy already in the bag. While many questioned the jump, the coach argues that Al Ittihad offered a unique “sporting perspective” that outweighed financial perks.

One of the most striking revelations in the interview was Mokwena’s shifting view on loyalty. After years of dedicated service to various South African clubs, the coach suggested that his past faithfulness hadn’t always been reciprocated.

“History has taught me… I was loyal to many a football club in my career, and there was no reward thereafter,” he reflected. “Sometimes you have to make decisions not from that perspective.”

The Libyan Mission By Rulani Mokwena

In Tripoli, Mokwena reunites with Thembinkosi Lorch, but he views the appointment as more than just a coaching gig. He describes it as a “helping hand” to a community and a club attempting to revive its former glory amidst Libya’s unique social challenges.

“There is a possibility to stretch myself more and challenge ourselves more,” he noted. “Success at one of the country’s most supported clubs could carry significant meaning for the nation. The opportunity to make a lasting contribution is far more important than people realise.”

As he begins this new chapter in North Africa, Mokwena seems less focused on the bank balance and more intent on cementing his legacy as a continental trailblazer.