JS Kabylie appoint Karim Belhocine as new head coach

JS Kabylie have confirmed the appointment of Franco-Algerian coach Karim Belhocine as their new head coach, bringing an end to speculation over who would take charge of the club ahead of the new campaign.

The 48-year-old UEFA Pro Licence holder has been selected by the club’s management and new sporting director Yazid Mansouri, after several names were reportedly considered in recent weeks.

Belhocine arrives at the Algerian side with extensive experience in Belgian football, both as a player and as a coach, and is expected to lead the club into a new phase as preparations continue for the upcoming transfer window.

A former defender developed at Olympique Lyonnais, Belhocine enjoyed a successful playing career in Belgium, featuring for clubs including Kortrijk, Standard Liège and Gent, where he was part of a title-winning squad.

Following his retirement, he moved into coaching in 2015, first serving as an assistant before taking on head coach roles at several Belgian Pro League clubs, including Kortrijk, Anderlecht and Charleroi.

He later took charge of Francs Borains in Belgium’s second division before moving to England, where he worked as an assistant coach at Watford in the Championship last season.

His appointment marks a return to head coaching duties as he replaces German manager Josef Zinnbauer, along with his assistant Bensafi, who had been overseeing the team in recent months.

The change comes at a time when JS Kabylie are already active in reshaping their squad, with preparations for the new season and ongoing transfer activity underway.

Belhocine’s arrival is expected to signal the start of a new sporting project at the club, as JSK look to strengthen their competitiveness domestically and on the continental stage under new leadership.

The club will now turn its attention to supporting the new coach as he begins work with the squad ahead of the upcoming season.