HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
The Algerian club USMA, which has never yet been sanctioned by the CAF for the RSB Jerseys Affair and the kidnapping of the Berkane Delegation at Algiers airport, wants to enter the next season in the CAF Cup strong by signing a lucrative contract for the Tunisian Nabil Maaloul
The CAF, which does not seem to want to be interested in suspending USMA, therefore seems overwhelmed by events and is content to follow the debates without reacting firmly as it is supposed to do.
In any case, Algerian football club USM Alger has announced the appointment of Nabil Maaloul as its new head coach on a two-year contract.
The 61-year-old Tunisian tactician, who led Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has officially joined the club, marking a significant milestone for USMA.
Maâloul’s appointment comes after a difficult 2023-2024 season for USM Alger, which saw them finish fourth in the Algerian elite and eliminated in the semi-final of the CAF Confederation Cup against RSB 6-0, “round trip”.
Club officials hope that Maâloul’s vast experience will help restore USMA to its former glory.
The new USM Alger coach is proud of his CV. A former Tunisian international with 74 caps, Maaloul has enjoyed success as a player and coach.
His coaching career includes several stints with the Tunisian national team, as well as coaching roles in Tunisia, Qatar, Syria and Kuwait.
He notably led Espérance de Tunis to three Tunisian championship titles and the 2011 CAF Champions League trophy.
Maâloul’s immediate tasks include finalising the pre-season preparation plan and evaluating the current squad.
USM Alger are expected to strengthen their squad with national and foreign recruits, having already secured Algerian international Ilyes Chetti on a three-year contract from Wydad Casablanca.
The club faces a busy schedule for the upcoming season, with four appearances including the CAF Confederation Cup.
USMA will enter the competition in the second preliminary round, facing the winner of the match between Jamus FC Juba (South Sudan) and Stade Tunisien.
