Controversial Algerian Chairman Confident of Kabylie Winning Title

Club chairman Cherif Mellal is of the strong conviction his JSK Kabylie outfit can snatch the Algerian premier League title.

USM Alger lead the table standings with a mere three points separating them and second-placed Kabylie, who last won the gong eleven years ago.

The record 14-title winners escaped claws of demotion by a thin thread last term but have undergone a near total revamp and hence their audacious charge for the trophy this season.

With a run of twelve wins and losing only seven of the twenty-six outings so far, chairman Mellal is convinced his charges can pull off an upset with just four games to the end of the championship.

Adding to this belief, The Canaries sent a stuttering MC Oran packing on a 4-2 win.

“At first, we do not realize we could but in recent matches, I realized that we have the players capable of winning any match. Therefore, I decided to play our chances thoroughly and, why not, create a surprise by winning the championship. For me, the title is still achievable,” Cherif says.

However, for this to happen, they would need to win all remaining games while hoping USM, who drew their previous match, falter yet again.

“We do not have the right to make mistakes. There are not many games left so each victory counts. We have the chance to play three times at home, take the opportunity to go all the way and please our fans,” he continued.

The build-up to their last game has been somewhat tumultuous amid reports the chairman has fallen out with his French-born coach Franck Dumas in the wake of the defeats the side endured.

“The players have understood my message, I want the three points. I think I was clear with the players. I do not hide from you that I demanded the three points. It’s time for us to regain our efficiency.”