Rulani Mokwena talks about his ‘sensationalised’ arrest and new chapter at Libya’s Al Ittihad SC

South African football coach Rulani Mokwena has landed a new role after his surprise mid-season departure from MC Alger over the weekend.

Libya’s Al Ittihad SC officially confirmed the appointment of the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach.

Mokwena spent just eight months in MC Alger, winning back-to-back titles and reaching the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League last season.

Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa, he said that, while it was a difficult decision, it was the right one.

He explained that the decision was the opportunity to create a platform for South African coaches to grow and develop their skills, while assembling a team of talented players to take the country’s football to the next level.

"We were presented with an opportunity to drive a bigger project, a bigger sporting project, and to help a few of our South African coaches possibly get opportunities to work outside of the country."

His departure from Algeria made headlines after he was arrested and detained at the airport for attempting to leave the country with an estimated R307,000 that he hadn’t properly declared.

He was given a two-month suspended sentence and released shortly after.

Mokwena said that the incident was 'sensationalised', explaining that he had the money on hand due to a miscommunication during a last‑minute attempt to upgrade travel arrangements for staff members.

“I felt a little bit guilty that I was the only one booked into business class… We were told we could upgrade the seats for the staff at the counter… we were told that we could only pay in cash. We tried to get some cash to pay… [then] we were told we had to do it online. We tried to do it online, and it was then rejected because the time had lapsed.

“We were still stuck with the cash. There were four of us, and there was no one else that we could hand over the amount to… but I don’t know if you can steal your salary, or the money that you worked very hard for?”

Mokwena reaffirmed his passion for football and commitment to developing young players.

"I want to be known as a good person, more than I want to be known as a good coach. I want to leave a space well, with a lot of respect, with a lot of possibilities to still live with my integrity intact."

To listen to Mokwena in conversation with 947’s Robert Marawa, use the audio player below: