The Algerian Football Federation has officially appointed Rafik Saifi, a former international player and one of Algeria's football legends, as the new coach of the national under-23 team. The federation stated that Saifi's primary goal will be to qualify and prepare the team for participation in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This marks an important step for the Algerian youth squad, which last appeared in the Olympic Games during the 2016 Rio de Janeiro event.

Saifi, dubbed the 'Eric Cantona of Algeria' due to his exceptional skills and unique playing style, has a rich history in Algerian football, having begun his career with the prestigious مولودية الجزائر club, contributing to their league title win in 1999. His professional career further flourished in France, where he played for several clubs, including Troyes, Lorient, Ajaccio, and Estac, alongside a brief stint in the Qatari league with Al Khor.

On the international stage, Saifi represented the Algerian national team in 64 matches and scored 18 goals, including a notable participation in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. His individual accomplishments earned him the Algerian Ballon d'Or award in 2008, recognizing his outstanding contributions and talent in the sport. The federation's choice of Saifi as coach signals a strong intent to nurture the next generation of football talents in Algeria, aiming for success on the international stage through the Olympics.