RC Arbaâ – History, Achievements, and Legacy of Algeria’s Blue and White Pride
RC Amel Riadhi Baladiat Arbaâ (Arabic: نادي رائد الأمل الرياضي لبلدية الأربعاء), commonly known as RC Arbaâ, RCA, El Amel, or El Zarga, is one of Algeria’s historic football clubs. Founded on February 27, 1941, the club is based in L’Arbaâ, in the Blida Province, and proudly wears the blue and white colors.
The team currently competes in Algeria’s Ligue 2 and plays its home matches at the Stade Ismaïl Makhlouf, which has a capacity of 8,000 spectators.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Club Amel Riadhi Baladiat Arbaâ
- Founded: February 27, 1941
- Nicknames: RCA, El Amel, El Zarga
- Colors: Blue & White
- Stadium: Stade Ismaïl Makhlouf (8,000 seats)
- Current League: Ligue 2
- Most Capped Player: Nacer Limani
- Current Coach: Bouziane Rahmani
Early History – The Colonial Era (1941–1956)
Founded as Racing Club Arbéen in 1941, RC Arbaâ started as a multi-sport club but quickly focused on football. They competed in friendly tournaments against big names such as WRB (now CRB), USMA, and CCA.
In 1943, the club joined the FSGT, and by 1945 they were affiliated with the Fédération Française de Football Algérien. With only a few years of existence, RCA managed to climb to the 2nd Division of the Algerian League of Algiers in the 1947–48 season after winning their group.
They celebrated multiple youth and reserve team successes in the early 1950s, eventually reaching the 1st Division (3rd tier) in 1953. However, the Algerian War of Independence halted all activities, and in 1956, the club suspended operations.
Post-Independence and Struggles in Lower Divisions (1962–2012)
After Algeria’s independence, RCA played in the Critérium d’Honneur and Division d’Honneur but faced relegations in the mid-1960s. For decades, the club oscillated between divisions, with close calls for promotion in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s.
At its lowest point, RCA dropped to Division 5, but they fought back, earning promotion to Ligue 2 in the 2012–13 season.
Historic Promotion to Ligue 1 and Cup Final Glory (2013–2016)
In 2013, after 41 years away from the top flight, RC Arbaâ achieved historic promotion to Ligue 1. They secured second place on goal difference ahead of CRB Aïn Fakroun and narrowly edged MO Béjaïa.
Playing home games at Omar Hamadi Stadium due to stadium renovations, RCA impressed in their debut Ligue 1 season, finishing 8th.
Their biggest achievement came in 2015, when they reached the Algerian Cup Final for the first time, losing to MO Béjaïa but making history nonetheless.
Decline and Return to Amateur Levels (2016–2018)
Financial and administrative crises led to consecutive relegations—first from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2, and then to the Division Nationale Amateur (D3). The club also faced a 3-point deduction for unpaid player salaries.
A new management team took over, focusing on rebuilding through youth development and financial stability.
Club Identity – The Blue & White Legacy
RC Arbaâ’s blue and white colors are said to have been inspired by the beautiful blue skies over L’Arbaâ. Fans, known for their passionate support, fill the Stade Ismaïl Makhlouf with chants, flags, and unwavering loyalty, making RCA a symbol of Blida Province’s football culture.