Algerian side USM Alger have appointed Senegalese coach Lamine Ndiaye as their new head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season, with the option of extending his contract, the club has confirmed.
The 69-year-old replaces Abdelhak Ben Cheikha, whose departure was announced at the end of January, will take charge of the squad to prepare them for the quarter-final of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
USM Alger are strengthening their technical leadership during a crucial stage of their domestic and continental campaign with the quater final clash against Maniema looming next month.
In a statement, the club said Ndiaye had been signed to oversee the team “until the end of the current season, with the possibility of renewing the contract in the event of achieving positive results and meeting the objectives set by the management”.
The appointment comes at a significant moment for USM Alger, who have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after topping Group A with 14 points.
The Algerian side recorded four wins and two draws in the group stage, underlining their credentials as serious contenders for the title.
Ndiaye arrives with extensive experience on the African stage. He is widely regarded as one of the continent’s seasoned tacticians, having previously coached several prominent clubs, most notably DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, where he won continental honours. He parted ways with the Congolese giants at the end of last month.
Union’s management and supporters will hope his track record in high-pressure competitions can help guide the club back to silverware, particularly on the continental front.
The club enjoyed a historic triumph in 2023 when they lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, and expectations remain high among fans eager to see their team restore its status among Africa’s elite.
Ndiaye’s immediate task will be to build on the momentum generated during the group stage and ensure Union are competitive as the knockout rounds approach.
With a quarter-final place secured and the domestic campaign ongoing, the experienced Senegalese coach inherits a squad in strong position but under growing expectation.
Whether Ndiaye’s appointment proves to be the turning point Union desire will become clearer in the coming weeks, as the club look to translate promise into trophies once again.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
