Olympique de Chlef management has drawn the outlines of its preparatory program for the upcoming football season, demonstrating a clear strategic direction for the club. The club, which is an active participant in the first professional league, is actively working to strengthen its roster in anticipation of the rigorous demands of the new competitive calendar. Efforts are ongoing to sign an additional one to three players, based on the specific needs identified and articulated by head coach Abdelhak Belaid and his technical staff. This targeted approach aims to fill any remaining gaps in the squad.
Pre-Season Training Schedule
Olympique de Chlef initiated its full preparations for the new season on July 5th. The team began its early pre-season regimen by undergoing a series of periodic medical examinations, a key step to assess player fitness and health before intensive training commences. Following these initial assessments and medical clearances, two local training camps were conducted within the city of Chlef, providing the squad with an opportunity to build foundational fitness and tactical understanding in a familiar environment. The team is now scheduled to depart for Istanbul, Turkey, this Thursday, marking a significant phase in their pre-season program. The third and final preparatory camp will subsequently take place in Istanbul, running from July 30 to August 14, 2026. This extended international camp is designed to finalize the team's readiness, allowing for focused training, team cohesion, and potentially friendly matches against international opposition, before the commencement of the upcoming competitive season.
Key Squad Additions
Olympique de Chlef has significantly strengthened its squad with the addition of six new players ahead of the upcoming season, reflecting a proactive approach in the transfer market. Saeed Oumrani, a strong center-back, has joined the club from Ittihad Chaouia, bringing defensive stability and experience. Amir Aidouni, a dynamic right-back, made the move from Ittihad Annaba, expected to bolster the team's flank play and defensive capabilities.
The team's defensive line also saw the arrival of Abdelrahim Hamdani, a skilled left-back previously with Association El Bayadh, further reinforcing the back four. In midfield, Mohamed Alaeddine Bellaribi was signed from Mustaqbal Baladiat El Rouissat, adding depth and creativity to the central areas. Zoubir Matrani, a forward known for his attacking prowess, has joined Olympique de Chlef from Widad Mostaganem, aiming to significantly bolster the team's offensive options and goal-scoring potential.
Additionally, Abdeljalil Boussalahi, a promising center-back, was recruited from MIChel El Tadji El Bourj Academy. The signing of Boussalahi, an Algerian U20 international, is particularly noteworthy as it aligns directly with directives from the Algerian Football Federation. These regulations mandate that clubs include three players born in 2006 or later in their first-team squad for the new season, showing the club's commitment to youth development and compliance with league rules.
Strategic Outlook and Future Moves
Olympique de Chlef's management has reaffirmed its confidence in the technical staff, which is led by head coach Abdelhak Belaid. This decision shows the club's strategic stability and its belief in the current leadership to guide the team to success. The ongoing summer transfer window provides further opportunity for strategic squad adjustments and is scheduled to remain open until August 31, 2026. This extended period allows Olympique de Chlef ample time to finalize any additional player acquisitions ahead of the new season's commencement, ensuring the team is optimally prepared. The club continues its efforts to sign an additional one to three players, based on the specific needs identified by coach Abdelhak Belaid, demonstrating a careful approach to squad building.
Club Stability and Technical Staff
A key board of directors meeting for the joint-stock sports company “Asoud Chlef” was held recently. This important meeting was chaired by Abdelkrim Medouar, who oversaw key decisions regarding the club’s operational and technical structure. During this meeting, the club management renewed its confidence in the technical staff led by head coach Abdelhak Belaid, signaling continuity and support for their strategic vision. Samir Cheiban was formally appointed as the assistant coach, completing the leadership structure for the upcoming season and providing additional support to the head coach.