Ittihad Riady Hussein Dey (IRHD) has publicly disputed claims made by former Algerian international Djamel Benlamri about his early career, providing archival evidence to confirm his time at the club.
Benlamri, a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner who retired from professional football, recently stated in a live social media broadcast that he was integrated directly into the youth system by Nour Benzekri, suggesting he had little or no involvement with IRHD’s academy.
The club swiftly responded to the comments, asserting that this account was inaccurate.
To support its position, IRHD accessed historical records and published a copy of Benlamri’s official registration dating back to 2003, showing his enrolment in the under-15 category.
The evidence confirms that Benlamri was formally part of IRHD’s youth system before transferring to the nearby and more prominent Nasr Hussein Dey in 2008.
The club emphasized that this documentation leaves little room for debate regarding Benlamri’s development within its ranks.
While it remains unclear whether the former defender’s statements were the result of a memory lapse or a misinterpretation of his early career, IRHD’s archival evidence establishes a clear record of his progression through the academy.
Benlamri’s emergence from IRHD contributed to his professional path, which eventually saw him represent Algeria at the highest level, culminating in continental success.
The episode highlights the role of clubs in preserving historical records and ensuring accurate recognition of player development, especially for figures of national prominence.
By presenting verifiable documentation, IRHD has reinforced its role in nurturing talent and clarified the timeline of one of Algeria’s notable footballers, reaffirming the club’s importance in the country’s footballing history.
