logo
‘Hundreds of ultras turned up to training' – Former Bohemians star opens up on ‘unique career path' since leaving LOI

‘Hundreds of ultras turned up to training' – Former Bohemians star opens up on ‘unique career path' since leaving LOI

The Irish Sun28-04-2025

ALI REGHBA and his Maribor team-mates recently found themselves face-to-face with their ultra fan group after a disappointing loss.
But his experiences in the six years since the former Ireland youth star left Bohemians to move abroad mean that something so out of the ordinary is not that unusual.
Advertisement
4
Ali Reghba left Bohemians for Leicester City in 2019
Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription
4
He has played in Algeria, North Macedonia and now Slovenia
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
4
He revealed why fan culture in Algeria is especially unique
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The attacker told SunSport: 'We lost a league game against a team that was bottom of the table.
'There were a lot of reasons why we lost . . . but we lost and the ultras had a word with us after the game.
'They weren't happy which is understandable because in Maribor, the standards are really high.
'We're the biggest club, the biggest budget, the expectation is to win.' The thought of Slovenian ultras waiting outside the dressing room for a chat might sound somewhat menacing to someone in Ireland.
Advertisement
Read More on Bohemians
But this is nothing new or out of the ordinary for Reghba who had a similar experience when playing in Algeria with CR Belouizdad.
The 25-year-old Irish-Algerian continued: 'When I was in Algeria, that was times a hundred!
'In Algeria, the fanbase of the team I was at was huge, they could have filled stadiums with 60,000 or 70,000 if they were allowed.
'And there are a lot more ultras in Algeria.
Advertisement
Most read in Football
Exclusive
'I remember we were on a bad run of games and they showed up at training. Even with our security, they couldn't stop them because they showed up in their hundreds.
'They weren't happy. It didn't go further than that — it wasn't physical — but that was an experience.'
Colm Whelan shakes fourth official's hand during Bohemians clash against Shamrock Rovers
And the Dubliner has had a lot of those since departing Bohs for Leicester City in 2019, before moving to Algeria, North Macedonia and now Slovenia.
Many experiences were good. Some were bad.
Advertisement
But Reghba would not change any of them.
He said: 'It's unique. A lot of people see my career path and think it's strange, which you would see from an outside perspective.
'Because it is different. But I'm the sort of person who wants to try different things.'
'I know my level, and I knew Macedonia could be a springboard again if I took my chance. Thank God it worked out.'
That 'different' career began with a pretty common move for an Irish youngster as he departed for England to the Foxes. Reghba said: 'That's the ideal move for every young lad from Ireland.
Advertisement
'It went well for me for a while at Leicester but then injury and whatnot caught up with me.
'And then you get to an age when you need first-team football and Leicester wouldn't allow me go on loan for the first two seasons, though there were clubs interested.
'By then, I had a year and a half left on my contract and I said, 'I can't stay here any longer, I need to move on'.
'I had options in the lower leagues in England but I wanted to try something different and CRB reached out.
Advertisement
'They are a big team in Algeria, in the African Champions League, so I thought, why not? It will be an experience.'
CULTURE SHOCK
Reghba was not taking a step completely into the unknown.
His father hails from Algeria and the family used to spend summers there when he was growing up.
But playing football there was still a culture shock.
Advertisement
He added: 'I knew Algerian football but not to the extent of what it actually is, there was a lot more to it than I expected . . . things apart from the football.
'It's very political at clubs, it was a learning curve.
'Even though it wasn't the greatest move for me career-wise — I didn't do amazing — I learnt a lot.
'Looking back, it was maybe not the best decision to make but I'm happy I made the decision when I did.'
Advertisement
Again looking for first-team football, he asked for his contract to be ripped up in 2023, though there was a delay that led to a six-month spell out of the game.
Reghba explained: 'There was interest but because I hadn't played that many games, teams were hesitant and wanted a look at me.
'But the transfer window was closing too.
'I went to a club in Turkey and they wanted to sign me but we couldn't get it done.
Advertisement
'So I was then without a club for six or seven months and that's when the decision comes, 'What do I do now, do I go back to Ireland?'
'But that's not what I wanted to do. Once I left Ireland in my football career, I didn't want to go back.
'Not because of any problem with Irish football, but I believe I can go further, even after all these experiences.'
4
Ali Reghba of Republic of Ireland and Tomas Tavares of Portugal during the 2019 UEFA U19 Championships semi-final
Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription
Advertisement
Still, his next move was one he felt was about regaining confidence rather than testing himself as he joined North Macedonian outfit Rabotnicki.
Whereas the League of Ireland is currently ranked 31st in Europe, North Macedonia is ranked 51st. But Reghba saw it as a springboard.
He said: 'I had options at bigger clubs but I knew the owners in Macedonia, and I knew they wouldn't make it difficult for me when the time came to move on.
'I know my level, and I knew Macedonia could be a springboard again if I took my chance. Thank God it worked out.'
Advertisement
He scored seven goals and had five assists in 16 games for Rabotnicki to help the club into title contention and put himself on the radar of a host of European clubs.
But he remained in the Balkans as Slovenian outfit Maribor made an offer, with Reghba keen to test himself in a league that is ranked higher — 28th in Uefa's rankings.
He researched the club and figured it was a side going places having recently been bought by former Shelbourne owner Acun Ilicali.
He said: 'Maribor was the right choice, I'm enjoying it here. It's a nice small city but not too far from bigger cities like Vienna and Zagreb.
Advertisement
'Slovenian is quite easy to pick up after being in Macedonia, the language is quite similar plus everyone has a good level of English. The standard of football is very good too, though we're a bit disappointed with our league position.
'We're second and it's going to be hard to win the league.'
But Reghba — who is under contract until 2027 — now hopes to push on, with international honours also his long-term goal, be it with the land of his father or his mother.
The ex-Ireland Under-19 player said: 'Of course it's an ambition but right now it's about club and if I do well then that chance will come.
Advertisement
'Who with is not something I've thought about too much.
'Ireland and Algeria, I feel deeply connected to both countries.
'My mother is Irish and it's where I grew up and my dad is Algerian and we travelled there every year as kids.
'When the time comes, I'll sit down and think about it.'
Advertisement

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Dynamic Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry to play together at US Open
Dynamic Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry to play together at US Open

Irish Daily Mirror

time24 minutes ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Dynamic Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry to play together at US Open

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will tee it up together over the first two rounds of the US Open at Oakmont. The pair are great pals and will have Ryder Cup colleague Justin Rose for company in their three-ball on Thursday and Friday. It was Rose who McIlroy overcame in the historic Masters play-off that saw the Holywood star reach Grand Slam status in the sport. McIlroy and Lowry have become close in recent years. Apart from representing Ireland as team-mates in the Olympic Games in Tokyo and Paris, the duo teamed up to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on the PGA Tour in 2024. More recently, they were drawn together for the opening two rounds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in March. With Lowry hitting the top 10 in the world ranks recently, they will be central to the European team's hopes of winning a Ryder Cup on US soil when the event takes place at Bethpage in September. Along with Rose, they will start their US Open bid by teeing off on the 10th hole at 12.40pm Irish time (7.40am local time) on Thursday. They will then be out later on Friday, with a 6.25pm Irish time (1.25pm local time) tee time. When the tournament was last played at Oakmont in 2016, Lowry took a four-shot lead into the final round only for Dustin Johnson to claim the major as the Clara man's form deserted him as he shot 76. McIlroy was a US Open winner in 2011 - it was the first of his five major title victories to date - and was distraught to lose to Bryson DeChambeau in last year's championship when he lead coming down the stretch. Selected tee times to follow.

Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry at the heart of US Open surprise as organisers reveal twist ahead of major
Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry at the heart of US Open surprise as organisers reveal twist ahead of major

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry at the heart of US Open surprise as organisers reveal twist ahead of major

RORY McIlroy and Shane Lowry have been paired TOGETHER for this week's US Open at Oakmont in Pennsylvania. It's a surprise move by organisers given how big names are generally kept apart for the opening two rounds. Advertisement 4 Rory McIlroy's form has fallen off a cliff since winning the Masters in April Credit: Getty 4 But Shane Lowry's game looks to be in optimum condition Credit: AP 4 Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele is another notable pairing Credit: Getty 4 While Scottie Scheffler will play alongside Collin Morikawa, and Viktor Hovland Credit: AP But in this case, all Irish eyes will be on one particular playing group across Thursday and Friday's action. Their group hasn't exactly been rounded out by a nobody either as Justin Rose completes the high-profile trio with Lowry and McIlroy will tee off in the year's third major at 12.40pm Irish time. Their second round will commence at 6.25pm Irish time. Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport The Offaly native comes into For that result, he Lowry had catapulted himself into contention on Thursday with a scintillating opening-round score of six-under-par. He backed that up on Friday with a two-under round of 68. Advertisement Most read in Golf But with pal McIlroy having packed his bags at the halfway stage, the leaders struck clear on Saturday, while Lowry could only shoot another 68. He got off to a cracking start in Toronto on Sunday. The Clara man shot an eagle on the first before backing it up with three birdies on the spin. US Open release incredible video of army of lawnmowers to tackle rough as stars brand conditions 'unplayable' But a bogey on the ninth after four consecutive pars halted his momentum. And while he steadied the ship by parring the next five, he was running out of time and holes to remain in contention. Advertisement A birdie on the 15th kept him in the hunt but bogeys on the 16th and 17th killed his hopes off. The Ireland Olympian moves on to Oakmont next, where he finished runner-up to Dustin Johnson in the 2016 US Open. After wrapping up his Sunday round the 38-year-old posted an upbeat summation on Instagram. It read: "Great tournament, great people, disappointing finish. Thank you Canada, Canadian Open and sponsors RBC. On to the US Open." Advertisement This will be a record-extending 10th time that the US Open will be held at Oakmont. The rough on Oakmont stands at 5 INCHES tall, with the course trimmed to ensure that is uniform throughout all 18 holes. World number one

Ireland star Nathan Collins reveals his involvement in Caoimhin Kelleher's transfer to Brentford
Ireland star Nathan Collins reveals his involvement in Caoimhin Kelleher's transfer to Brentford

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Ireland star Nathan Collins reveals his involvement in Caoimhin Kelleher's transfer to Brentford

BRENTFORD'S Nathan Collins is buzzing that his Ireland team-mate Caoimhín Kelleher is now a Bee as well. Keeper Kelleher last week And the Ireland captain reckons that playing together at club level can only be good news for their country. He said: 'I am looking forward to it, I get on really well with him here, he shows his qualities as a keeper as well. 'But it will be even better when we can train together every day and build our relationship a bit more, on and off the field, to help Brentford and Ireland as well. "I am buzzing for him, it's a great move for him and he deserves to be a No 1 at a club.' Read more on Irish football Collins also revealed he played a small part in Kelleher's move, as he was asked to provide a character reference before Brentford made their move. He added: 'A few people asked me what he was like, obviously I spoke highly of him, I'm not going to lie. 'But listen, he done it all himself, he's shown what he can do on the highest level of football for Liverpool.' With Kelleher swapping Merseyside for west London, Collins is aware that there may be a change of management at Brentford this week after Spurs were Most read in Football The Leixlip native added: 'Every time I turn on the TV, I see it. I can't get away from it unfortunately. "I have my own problems with the game against Luxembourg, staying fit and looking after myself. I haven't taken too much of an interest. Michael Owen reveals he didn't know what Ballon d'Or was when he won it and had to ask manager about it 'Brentford is a good club that whatever happens they will have a plan. There are good people in the backroom, so there will be a plan. 'If he stays, even better. We can only see what happens.' 1 The international duo will look to bring their chemistry to the Premier League

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store