By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online

Algerian champions Jeunes Sportifs de Kabylie (JSK) have engraved their name in the history of African football.

They became the first ever African team to win the Caf Cup three years in a row on Sunday.

And their historic feat means they will be the first club to keep the trophy forever.

The secret behind this success is the club's traditions and environment.

In Egypt, it is always Ahly and Zamalek; in Morocco Raja and Wedad are the capital's arch rivals.

But in Algeria, the situation is different.

The old club, created back in 1946, represents the state of Tizi-Ouzou, one of the major states in the land of the desert warriors.

Our target was clear - it was to keep the Caf Cup forever JSK chairman Cherif Hannachi

JSK consider every player, technical staff member, ball boy and even the fans a part of the big family of their own state Tizi-Ouzou.

Kabela which appears in the club's name is an Arabic word which means "tribe" and is used to signify the loyalty to a certain group.

This special relation inside the club has created a union and harmony on the managerial and professional level.

JSK have given birth to many of the country's star footballers including Sadmi, Ali Fergani, Djamel Menad, Hakim Medane, Meftah.

In addition to Zafour and Ghazi, who both currently play their football in France, the most famous JSK player is Moussa Saib who joined English club Tottenham Hotspur.

JSK made their policy clear after winning the Caf Cup for the second successive year.

"Our target was clear - it was to keep the Caf Cup forever," said chairman Cherif Hannachi.

But in stark contrast to their incredible cup success, JSK are struggling domestically and lie in 15th place in the 16-team league.

The challenge now for JSK is to improve their league position, otherwise a fate similar to that which befell English side Ipswich awaits them.

Ipswich qualified for the Uefa Cup - the European equivalent of the Caf Cup - after finishing sixth in the 2000-01 Premiership season.

However, the Tractor Boys soon went crashing out of the competition and were then relegated to Division One the following year.

So, despite the fact they will defend their African title next year, JSK must safeguard their place in the Algerian top flight before enjoying this latest piece of silverware.