A Unified Vision for Algerian Football: Mustapha Maza Hails Petkovic’s Leadership and Sadi’s Diplomatic Triumphs in an Exclusive Interview with Dzair Tube

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 17th, 2024 — Former Algerian international Mustapha Maza has heaped praise on Vladimir Betkovic, the national football team’s head coach, for his uncompromising leadership and the stellar results achieved during the ongoing qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With Algeria securing qualification two rounds ahead of schedule, Maza commended the tactical discipline instilled by Betkovic and emphasized the broader impact of Algeria’s strides in sporting diplomacy, particularly the imminent election of FAF President Walid Sadi to the CAF Executive Committee.

Betkovic’s Tactical Mastery and Zero Tolerance for Indiscipline

“Betkovic’s approach is transformative. He prioritizes discipline and rejects individualism, which has strengthened the team’s cohesion,” Maza declared in an exclusive interview with Dzair Sport. Under Betkovic’s guidance, the Desert Foxes have demonstrated tactical finesse and resilience, making them formidable contenders for the AFCON title.

Despite these successes, Maza acknowledged the criticism surrounding certain performances, notably in the recent match against Equatorial Guinea. While the team’s overall display was subpar, Maza singled out Ramez Zerrouki for his exemplary role. “Zerrouki was outstanding; he was the best player on the pitch against Equatorial Guinea. The criticism directed at him is unwarranted and baffling,” Maza asserted, defending the midfielder’s contribution to the national squad.

Sporting Diplomacy: A Strategic Victory

Beyond the pitch, Maza expressed his satisfaction with Algeria’s diplomatic achievements in football, particularly the candidacy of Walid Sadi for a seat on the CAF Executive Committee. “This represents a major victory for Algerian sporting diplomacy,” he noted, highlighting the meticulous planning and strategic maneuvering that secured Sadi’s bid. “The FAF’s efforts to guarantee Algeria’s presence in CAF decision-making have been nothing short of exemplary.”

Algeria’s potential re-entry into CAF’s leadership signifies a resurgence in its influence within African football, aligning with the broader vision of solidifying its presence on international platforms.

A Season of Intense Competition in National Football

Turning to domestic football, Maza predicted a fiercely competitive Ligue 1 season, citing the narrow gap in quality among the teams. “The level of competition will be unprecedented this year,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and consistency for clubs aiming to secure top honors.

A Unified Vision for Algerian Football

Maza’s comments underscore a unified vision for Algerian football that blends tactical excellence, institutional influence, and grassroots development. Whether on the international stage or in domestic leagues, Algeria continues to assert itself as a football powerhouse, guided by strategic foresight and disciplined execution.

As Betkovic leads the Desert Foxes towards AFCON glory and Algerian officials expand their influence within CAF, the trajectory of Algerian football remains firmly upward.

Interview with Mustapha Maza: “A Unified Vision is Driving Algeria’s Football Success”

Q: How do you evaluate the national team’s performance against Equatorial Guinea?

Mustapha Maza:

Every match comes with its own set of circumstances and challenges. The game against Equatorial Guinea was played under extremely high temperatures and humidity, making it almost impossible for any player to deliver their best performance under such conditions. This brings us back to a recurring issue: while some teams in Africa get to play in more favorable time slots, such as 5 PM or 7 PM, our national team has often faced less optimal schedules. For example, we played against Togo at 2 PM and against Liberia under similarly harsh conditions. Thursday’s match was no different, clearly showing how difficult the circumstances were. Considering this, the result can only be viewed as positive, especially since we had already secured qualification and our opponents had also booked their spot in the AFCON.

Q: What about the individual performances?

Mustapha Maza:
Zerrouki was undoubtedly the standout player of the match. He effectively silenced his critics with a stellar performance, both with the national team and at his club. His role in ball recovery, defensive work, and even in contributing to the attack was exceptional. It’s baffling to see the level of criticism he receives. If you analyze his stats, you’ll understand his critical role in every match, even if some fail to see it. What he brings to the team tactically, particularly in terms of regaining possession, is invaluable. That’s why he’s a key figure in the lineup.

It’s worth noting that Zerrouki is a product of the prestigious Ajax Amsterdam academy, one of the most renowned football schools globally. Doubting his abilities is both unwarranted and illogical. Coaches wouldn’t continue to field a player who doesn’t contribute significantly or perform effectively. Zerrouki is a player with solid foundational training, and his value to the team should never be questioned.

Q: How do you view the team’s overall results in the AFCON qualifiers?

Mustapha Maza:
With one match remaining, it’s evident that Vladimir Petkovic is focused on maintaining stability and refining the team’s defensive structure. Conceding just one goal in five qualifiers is a significant achievement, demonstrating the steady improvement of our backline under his leadership. When you compare this defensive solidity to the number of goals scored, it’s clear that the technical staff has put in substantial effort to build a balanced and cohesive team.

Petkovic is implementing a forward-looking strategy with both medium- and long-term objectives. He has integrated young talents like Ibrahim Maza and Amine Chiakha into the squad, and more promising players are expected to join in the near future. This reflects the Algerian Football Federation’s (FAF) strategic vision under President Walid Sadi. The coach has shown unwavering commitment and a serious work ethic, which has cultivated a positive atmosphere within the team. Players are eager to join the national camp, and their enthusiasm and camaraderie are palpable despite the external noise and criticism.

Let me add one more point…

The situation with Chaibi stems from disciplinary issues. He had an incident where he challenged the coach’s decisions and spoke out in the locker room. Petkovic has a strict stance on discipline and prioritizes controlling the group dynamic. He will not tolerate any form of indiscipline or laxity.

Petkovic’s philosophy is rooted in building a cohesive and harmonious team rather than relying on individual talents. If that weren’t the case, he might have called up players like Youcef Belaïli or given preferential treatment to Riyad Mahrez. But no, his focus is on the collective, knowing full well that star players cannot carry a team consistently in every match. It’s this group-centered approach that defines his leadership and ensures long-term success for the national team.

Q: Petkovic has also faced criticism for sticking to a consistent lineup with little rotation. How do you view his approach?

Mustapha Maza:
Petkovic takes every match seriously, and he’s made it clear that there are no “unimportant” games for the national team, even when it comes to friendlies. While there’s constant pressure on the squad, he has shown his ability to manage the situation effectively.

Under his guidance, we’ve seen consistent improvement in both individual and team performances. Since March, the progress has been undeniable, with steady renewal, error correction, and reinforcement of the squad and tactical approach. In the match against Equatorial Guinea, for instance, he implemented a 3-4-3 formation for only the second time, having previously used it against Togo. This adjustment aimed to strengthen the defense while utilizing Zerrouki as a recovery specialist. It’s possible that he’ll settle on this tactical setup moving forward.

Q: Do you anticipate significant changes in the lineup for the match against Liberia?

Mustapha Maza:
For the Liberia match, I don’t expect many changes. He’ll likely stick to the same core lineup, perhaps rotating one or two players at most. Given the short recovery period and the proximity of the two fixtures, it’s logical to maintain stability. Overall, we can expect a similar starting eleven.

Q: Walid Sadi appears to have a clear path to securing a seat on the CAF Executive Committee. How do you view this development?

Mustapha Maza:
Algeria’s return to the CAF Executive Committee, after an absence of nearly nine years, is a monumental step forward. The absence has had a significant negative impact on Algerian football, affecting clubs and national teams across all age categories. The repercussions were felt in various aspects, including referee appointments.

I don’t like to delve into issues of backstage politics, but the reality is that such dynamics exist in African football. For example, when a corrupt referee is appointed to your match, what can you do? It’s an unfortunate truth that these practices are present and cannot be ignored.

Walid Sadi has worked tirelessly to restore Algeria’s presence on the continental stage. His efforts align with the broader objectives of Algerian sports diplomacy. When you observe his groundwork—his meetings with key figures and his participation in numerous events—it becomes evident that his achievements result from a collective effort, supported by the Algerian state. This synergy between individual dedication and institutional backing is what makes such progress possible.

Let me add one more point…

Hussein Jenayeh’s withdrawal came at a pivotal time, executed with precision. He pulled his candidacy just hours before the deadline on November 12, leaving no opportunity for anyone else to replace him or submit a new bid for the position. This move placed CAF’s nomination committee in a situation where Walid Sadi became the sole candidate.

This is a remarkable achievement for Algerian sports diplomacy, highlighting Algeria’s return to its rightful place on the continental stage. It is a testament to our nation’s strategic planning and growing influence in African football.

We hope that Sadi excels in his mission and serves Algerian football effectively. His campaign pledge to bring Algeria back into African representation has been fulfilled within just a year. He has already accomplished significant reforms in a short time, and we stand behind anyone who works for the betterment of Algerian football or any other sector.

This position is not merely about Walid Sadi; it represents Algeria as a whole. We wish him all the success and strength to achieve great things in this vital role.

Q: How do you evaluate this season’s domestic league so far?

Mustapha Maza:
We are only in the ninth round, so it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions. However, I wouldn’t say that MC Alger has regressed significantly in terms of results and performance. That said, there is a noticeable difference compared to last season.

Last year, the team had an explosive start, scoring over 20 goals in the opening rounds. At the time, several clubs were facing crises, such as CR Belouizdad, which changed its Belgian coach after just a few matches, and JS Kabylie, which had a stumbling start.

This season, the league is much more competitive. Teams like USM Alger, despite their slow start, and JS Kabylie, despite inconsistent results, are showing promising performances. In my opinion, JS Kabylie is having a decent season, contrary to the criticisms directed at the team. Considering the challenges they faced last season and the extensive changes within the club, they’ve managed to maintain a respectable level.

Moreover, teams like CS Constantine and MC Oran have also stepped up, adding to the competitiveness. This is the beauty of the league; the competition is fierce, and every match feels significant. I anticipate a highly competitive season and hope we witness some exceptional technical performances from the teams.

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