Official | Abdelhak Benchikha returns to USM Alger!
Benchikha Back at the Helm of USM Alger
Algerian football legend returns for a second stint with his former club.
USM Alger have officially announced the return of Abdelhak Benchikha as head coach on a one-season deal. The news comes just days after the club shared an image of Benchikha alongside club officials, sparking rumors among fans.
"The management of USM Alger announces the signing of coach Abdelhak Benchikha for one season," the club confirmed in a statement published on its official Facebook page. "Benchikha is one of the club’s iconic figures, having guided our team to victory in the CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Super Cup. We welcome him and wish him great success in leading the team to new titles."
This marks Benchikha's second spell at the helm of USM Alger. His first run with the club saw him lead them to unprecedented success between December 2022 and October 2023. Under his guidance, USM Alger secured their first-ever CAF Confederation Cup title and defeated Egyptian giants Al Ahly to claim the CAF Super Cup.
Since leaving USM Alger, Benchikha has had brief stints coaching Simba SC (Tanzania), JS Kabylie (Algeria), and Modern F.C. (Egypt). Now, he's returning to Algeria eager for a new challenge with his former club.
"🚨Abdelhak Benchikha nommé entraîneur !
Bienvenue et bon courage coach ⚫️🔴#MercatoUSMApic.twitter.com/xdLOLhErE9," tweeted USMA Xtra (@USMAXtra) on August 12, 2025.