Former international player Rabie Ben Cherki recounted his transfer to USM Alger and the origin of his distinctive nickname, 'El Hamla' (The Campaign). Ben Cherki, who had a notable career as an international player, shared the intricate details of how he came to join the prominent Algerian club. He was acquired by USM Alger in exchange for four players, a significant and complex move at the time, reflecting the high regard in which he was held. USM Alger fans, known for their passionate support and unique ways of connecting with their players, bestowed the nickname 'El Hamla' upon him. This moniker, meaning 'The Campaign' in Arabic, was given because Ben Cherki joined the team during the Bab El Oued floods, a period of severe weather and hardship that deeply affected the community and the club. His immediate and effective performance on the field, even amidst such challenging circumstances, further solidified the nickname among the club's supporters, reflecting his impact during a demanding and memorable time for the club and its fanbase. The nickname thus became a testament to his resilience and immediate contribution to USM Alger.
The Transfer Saga
Rabie Ben Cherki stated that Saïd Allik was instrumental in bringing him to USM Alger, playing a key role in orchestrating his move to the club. Before his eventual transfer to USM Alger, Ben Cherki was initially nominated to join MC Oran, a prominent club in Algerian football. However, the course of his transfer took a different turn when Nasr Hussein Dey president Ighil Mezian intervened, actively working to secure Ben Cherki's release document from his then-current club. This intervention paved the way for a competitive pursuit of the player. USM Alger president Saïd Allik then actively competed to sign him, demonstrating a strong desire to bring Ben Cherki to the capital club. Allik’s determination ultimately proved successful in securing the services of the talented player.
The transfer involved a complex exchange, with four players moving to Nasr Hussein Dey as part of the agreement. These players, who were part of the deal that saw Ben Cherki join USM Alger, were Yassef, goalkeeper Salah Eddine, Abbassa, and Amirat. This multi-player exchange showed the value USM Alger placed on acquiring Ben Cherki. Ben Cherki joined USM Alger for the first time during the 2002-2003 season, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his career. His journey in football also included a period at MC Bouira, where he played for six months, gaining further experience. Ben Cherki’s football career saw him represent a variety of clubs, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the sport, including JSM Tiaret, USM Alger, and MC Bouira. These experiences collectively shaped him as a player and contributed to his reputation within Algerian football.
Reflecting on USM Alger's achievements, Ben Cherki expressed his belief that the club's recent continental success is a direct result of past experiences and the sacrifices made by players from his generation. He emphasized that the foundation for current triumphs was laid by the hard work and dedication of previous squads, including his own. This perspective notes the continuity of effort and the lasting legacy of players who contributed to the club's history. The current success, according to Ben Cherki, is a culmination of years of commitment and strategic development within the club.
USM Alger Glory and Setbacks
During Rabie Ben Cherki's tenure, USM Alger achieved significant domestic success, marking a golden era for the club. They notably won both the league title, demonstrating their consistent dominance throughout the season, and the prestigious Cup of the Republic. The cup final saw them emerge victorious against Chabab Belouizdad, a formidable opponent, marking a period of competitive dominance for the club and providing memorable moments for their fans. These achievements contributed significantly to USM Alger's standing in Algerian football, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse. The fans, recognizing his vital contributions during these successful campaigns, continued to celebrate his impactful performances.
However, Ben Cherki also faced personal setbacks during his time with the club, despite the team's overall successes. He was notably denied participation in the 2006 Cup of the Republic final, an event that was undoubtedly a disappointment for the player. This decision meant he could not take the field in a key match for the team, even though he had been an integral part of the squad that reached the final. This event occurred within a broader context of his career at USM Alger, which he joined for the 2002-2003 season following his transfer from Nasr Hussein Dey. His contributions on the field during the periods of success were recognized by fans, who bestowed upon him the nickname 'El Hamla' due to his impactful performance during challenging times, specifically the Bab El Oued floods. The club’s subsequent continental achievements, as Ben Cherki noted, are a testament to the foundation laid by previous generations and their sacrifices, illustrating a continuous thread of dedication and ambition within USM Alger. The successes, both domestic and later continental, are seen as the fruit of sustained effort over many years.
Reflections on the Game
Rabie Ben Cherki attributed his limited prominence with the national team to a series of injuries he sustained during his career. These physical setbacks, he explained, unfortunately hindered his ability to consistently perform at the highest level required for international representation. He also expressed his view that the current league is experiencing a significant crisis regarding the availability of skilled strikers, impacting the overall quality and competitiveness of matches. This observation points to a potential area of concern for Algerian football development.
Despite these concerns about the domestic league, Ben Cherki conveyed optimism about the national team's prospects on the global stage, forecasting their potential to advance to the second round of the World Cup. His confidence in the national squad suggests a belief in the talent and capabilities of the current generation of players, despite the challenges he perceives in the local league. He described Riyad Mahrez as an exceptional player, noting his technical prowess, strong moral character, and rare caliber within the sport. Ben Cherki lauded Mahrez not just for his skills on the ball but also for his exemplary conduct, considering him a player of unique quality and influence. This praise shows Mahrez's significance as a role model and a key figure for the national team.
