Latest news with #BotolaPro
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Rachid Taoussi Appointed New Kawkab Head Coach
Kawkab of Marrakech announced its separation from its coach, Reda Hakim, despite his success in leading the team back to the Botola Pro first division. Rachid Taoussi will now take over as the new head for the next season. On the evening of Monday, July 7, the club's board met with Reda Hakam to reach a mutual agreement to terminate the contract amicably, following a decision by club president Idriss Hanifa. Hanifa is now set to meet Taoussi to finalize contract details and begin pre-season preparation as the club aspires to ensure a successful return to the Moroccan top division. Taoussi brings a wealth of experience having previously coached the Moroccan national team and managed several renowned clubs including Maghreb de Fez, AS FAR, RS Berkane, CR Belouizdad, ES Sétif, Olympique Khouri, Raja AC and most recently Azam FC in Tanzania, where he competed against giants like Simba SC and Young Africans. Tags: botola proMarrakechRachid Taoussi
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad to Axe 21 Players in Summer Reshuffle
Wydad Athletic Club are set to release 21 players as part of a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. The clear-out follows a disappointing season, including a third-place finish in the Botola Pro and an early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, where Wydad lost all three matches – against Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain. According to various sources, head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem has confirmed the list of departing players, which includes senior figures such as goalkeeper Youssef El Moutie, and defenders Aymane Dairani, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Jamal Harkass, Nabil Marmouk, and Fahd Moufi. Midfielders and forwards leaving the squad include Ismail Moutaraji, Pedrinho, Arthur Wenderroscky, Mehdi Moubarik, Stéphane Aziz Ki, Saifeddine Bouhra, and Walid Nassi. Several young or fringe players – Ayoub Marsa, Rayhi, Ghilane, and Obang – are also set to depart. The club is undergoing a full rebuild as it looks to restore dominance in both Moroccan and African competitions. Tactical consistency and squad depth remain key challenges heading into the new season. Offloading surplus players and managing structural changes are seen as necessary steps in the process. Tags: botola proClub World Cupwydad
Morocco World
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad Close to Permanent Deal for Thembinkosi Lorch
Wydad Casablanca is set to sign South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch permanently, following his strong performance during the FIFA Club World Cup. Lorch, 31, moved to Wydad on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window. The deal included a $500,000 option to buy, but Sundowns have since doubled the value to reach one million dollars after his impressive performances in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The winger made 16 appearances for Wydad during last season, scoring three goals: two goals in Botola Pro and the third one in the Club World Cup. With fellow Sundowns loanee Cassius Mailula not retained over financial concerns, Wydad are pushing to keep Lorch, despite ongoing budget constraints. The proposed move has stirred debate among supporters, with some raising concerns over the cost and the player's age. 'If the club signs Lorch for two years, he'll be 33—how effective can a winger be at that age?' one fan wrote on Facebook. Another added: 'If the transfer fee is €1 million, what kind of wages will they be offering him?'
Morocco World
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad AC Sign Meijers and Ferreira to Bolster Defence
Wydad Athletic Club have confirmed the signing of centre-backs Bart Meijers and Guilherme Ferreira as part of the club's broader strategy to reinforce their defensive line with international experience ahead of next season. Bart Meijers, 28, arrives on a free transfer after leaving FK Borac Banja Luka in Bosnia's top league, where he was named in the league's Best XI. The Dutch defender signed a one-year deal with the option to extend for a further year. His market value is estimated at €700,000. Meanwhile, Brazilian defender Guilherme Ferreira, joins the Casablanca-based club after spending last month on loan at the club. The 25-year-old signed a two-year contract after his contract with the Portuguese club FC Felgueiras ended. Wydad activated the €377,000 buy clause, slightly below his €400,000 market valuation. Wydad struggled defensively last season in the Botola Pro and in the Club World Cup. These new signings reflect the club's broader strategy to bring in international experience as they prepare for next season's campaign – aiming to return to title contention after finishing third in the league and without silverware. Tags: botola proConfederation Cupwydad
Morocco World
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
31 Moroccan Players Set To Compete in The FIFA Club World Cup
Rabat – The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in the US from June 15 to July 13, is set to feature 31 Moroccan players. With this number, Morocco reportedly has the highest representation of any African country in the global tournament. Globally, Morocco ranks 10th in player representation at the FIFA Club World Cup. Brazil is leading the list with 141 players, followed by Argentina (103), Spain (51), and Portugal (49). From a Moroccan perspective, Wydad Casablanca tops the list with 17 Moroccan players. Moroccan players are taking part in the competition through their international clubs, including Al Ain with four Moroccan players, followed by Al Ahly with three Moroccan players. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid each have two Moroccan players. Meanwhile, Al Hilal, Pachuca, and Bayern Munich each feature one Moroccan player. Player list Wydad casablanca (Morroco) : Youssef Moutia, Mohamed Moufid, Ismail Matarji, Noureddine Amrabat, Mehdi Benabid, Abdelmonem Boutawil, Jamal Harkas, Zakaria Fatihi, Fahd Movie, Mehdi Mobarik, Oussama Zemrawi, Ayoub Bouchta, Ismail Benqteeb, Hamza Henouri, Yassine Bennani, Omar Akzadou, Mohamed Rayan Mahtou. Al Ain (UAE) : Soufiane Rahimi, Yahya Benkhatib, Hussein Rahimi, Nassim Al Chadli Al Ahly (Egypt) : Achraf Bencharki, Yahya Attiat-Allah, Achraf Dari Paris Saint-Germain (France) : Achraf Hakimi, Nawfal al-Hanash Real Madrid (Spain) : Brahim Diaz, Youssef Lekhedim Al Hilal (saudia arabia): Yassine Bounou Pachuca (mixico) : Oussama Idrissi Bayern Munich (Germany) : Adam Aznou This tournament is a big opportunity for Moroccan football, especially for Botola Pro champions, Wydad. They will face elite clubs like Champions League winners Manchester City and Italian giants Juventus. Competing at this high-level tournament will help in showcasing Moroccan talent globally and underline the progress made in recent years. For national coach Walid Regragui, it's a valuable chance to see his key players tested against the world's best. Watching the Wydad core in competitive matches provides important preparation ahead of the African Cup of Nations. Tags: 2023 FIFA Club World Cup2026 FIFA World Cup
