Mahieddine Khalef, former coach of Algeria’s national football team, has passed away at the age of 80, as reported by Algerian sports media on Tuesday.
A legendary figure, Khalef led JS Kabylie to numerous victories, securing 11 trophies, including the 1982 African Champions League. He stepped away from football in 1990, leaving an indelible legacy.
“Our legendary coach and national team manager, Mahieddine Khalef, has left us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. Farewell, Master,” wrote JS Kabylie on their official X account, alongside a photo of Khalef holding a trophy.
Obituary: Remembering Mahieddine Khalef, a Pioneer of Algerian Football
Born in Mechra Bel Ksiri, Morocco, during the French colonial era, Mahieddine Khalef began his football career at Kénitra before moving to Kabylie, the homeland of his family from Aït Yenni. In Kabylie, he helped elevate his club to the top tier before transitioning to coaching JS Kabylie at just 33 years old.
A Historic World Cup Qualification
Khalef’s remarkable achievements, including a league-and-cup double in 1977, led to his appointment as Algeria’s national team coach in 1979. Within a year, he secured Algeria’s first qualification for the 1980 Olympics. In 1982, he returned as assistant coach to the legendary Rachid Mekhloufi, who passed away recently on November 8.
Together, they accomplished the extraordinary: qualifying Algeria for its first-ever World Cup in 1982 and ending a five-edition drought at the African Cup of Nations. Khalef briefly took over as head coach in 1984, though his tenure lasted only eight months.
Africa Sports extends heartfelt condolences to Khalef’s family and the entire Algerian football community.
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