Lamine Ndiaye Set to Join Che Malone at USM Alger

The iconic former Cotonsport manager, Lamine Ndiaye, is poised to become the new head coach of USM Alger. The 69-year-old Senegalese tactician was recently spotted in the streets of Algiers on February 19, signaling that an official announcement is imminent. Following his departure from TP Mazembe just two weeks ago, Ndiaye has reached an agreement with USMA on a six-month contract that includes an option to extend for an additional year.

This appointment sparks a meeting with Cameroon international defender Che Malone. Malone, who left Coton Sport following the 2022/2023 season as one of the club’s most decorated recent stars, and has quickly established himself as a pillar of the USM Alger defense. Ndiaye himself shares a legendary history with Coton Sport, having managed the Garoua-based club during dominant era between 2000-2006, where he secured five league titles and cemented the club’s reputation as a continental powerhouse.

Ndiaye arrives at a pivotal moment for the Algerian giants. The club’s management recently finalized the departure of head coach Abdelhak Benchikha, who stepped down in early 2026. His exit was largely fueled by mounting external pressure and a strained relationship with a vocal section of the supporters. Now, the mission falls to Ndiaye to use his vast experience and mastery of African football to stabilize the locker room and pursue silverware.

In the domestic circuit, USM Alger currently occupies 8th place in the Algerian Ligue 1 standings with 24 points. However, the table is somewhat deceptive; due to their heavy continental schedule, the team has only played 15 matches, leaving them with up to four games in hand compared to their rivals. If they can capitalize on these outstanding fixtures, they remain a mathematical threat to the current leaders, MC Alger, who sit at the top with 36 points.

On the continental stage, the club’s form has been impressive. USM Alger enters the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup as a heavy favorite after finishing at the top of Group A. They remained unbeaten throughout the group stage, amassing 14 points through four wins and two draws. Ndiaye’s primary objective will be to navigate the knockout rounds and replicate the club’s 2023 success, solidifying USM Alger’s status as a top force in African football.