South African coach Rulani Mokwena has opened up on the realities of his early days at Al Ittihad, describing the process of building his team as a careful act of craftsmanship under time pressure.
“We are like tailors… trying to stitch the team together,” Mokwena said, reflecting the urgency and complexity of shaping a competitive side in a short period.
Since taking charge, Mokwena has expressed gratitude for the strong backing from the club’s leadership. Preparations included a short training camp in Morocco, where Al Ittihad faced Difaa El Jadida and Wydad AC, recording one win and one defeat.
With limited time available, the coach has prioritized tactical fine-tuning over wholesale changes.
“We don’t have enough time to build a new suit, but we’ll make sure the team looks good,” he added, underlining a pragmatic approach as he gradually imprints his philosophy on the squad.
Mokwena also praised the players’ physical condition, noting that it has provided a solid foundation to accelerate the team’s development in the early stages of his tenure.
