Latest news with #Casablanca-based
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad Target Veteran Striker Khalid Boutaïb
Wydad Athletic Club are in talks to sign veteran Moroccan striker Khalid Boutaïb as part of their summer rebuild. The 38-year-old is a free agent and could join the Casablanca-based side on a short-term deal, marking his first stint in Botola Pro. Sources say Wydad president Hicham Ait Menna is leading efforts to secure the move, with current Wydad player Nordin Amrabat – a former national teammate – playing a key role in convincing Boutaïb to join. Despite his age, Boutaïb is said to be keen on returning to competitive football, aiming to regain his scoring touch and end his career on a strong note. His most recent spell was with Pau FC in France. Over the years, he's played for clubs in France (Ajaccio, Strasbourg), Turkey (Yeni Malatyaspor), and Egypt (Zamalek). He featured for Morocco at the 2018 World Cup and netted eight goals in 20 international appearances. Boutaïb's market value stands at €150,000 (1.6 million MAD), according to Transfermarkt. Wydad have already signed midfielder Abdelghafour Lamirate on a three-year deal following his contract expiry at Olympique de Safi. Lamirate had attracted interest from rivals Raja and RS Berkane but opted for Wydad, who moved quickly to finalise terms. The club is undergoing a significant squad overhaul following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish third in the league and exit the FIFA Club World Cup without a win. Twenty-one players are expected to leave as Wydad look to rebuild for the 2025–26 season, with experience and leadership seen as vital components for the revamped side. Tags: Khalid BoutaibNordin Amrabatwydad
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Raja Signs Bilal Ould-Chikh
Rabat – Raja Athletic Club have officially completed the signing of the winger Bilal Ould-Chikh in a free transfer deal from FC Volendam for two seasons. The Moroccan-Dutch has joined the Casablanca-based club in the summer transfer window, after reportedly giving approval to Egyptian Zamalek SC and rejecting offers from many European and Saudi clubs. 'As part of strengthening the first team in preparation for the new season, the management board of Raja Club Athletic announces the signing of player Bilal Ould-Chikh for two seasons,' Raja announced on X. The 27-year-old made a total of 40 appearances with FC Volendam last season, he scored five goals and provided 20 assists ranking him 3rd in assists across the league. Ould-Chikh had already represented the Netherlands at U15, U17, and U19 levels, before he was invited to represent the U20 Moroccan national team. The move bolsters Raja's offensive options with a player of robust international experience for the upcoming Botola Pro season. Tags: Bilal Ould-Chikhbotola proRaja football
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Health
- Morocco World
Casablanca's Oncorad Publishes 1st African Prostate Cancer Research in Leading U.S. Journal
Rabat – The Casablanca-based Oncorad Group has become the first cancer treatment center in Africa to publish research in 'Advances in Radiation Oncology,' in partnership with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The featured study, carried out by Oncorad's research team at the Le Littoral Clinic, explores a combined treatment protocol for aggressive prostate cancer, integrating high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy with external beam radiotherapy. Conducted on a cohort of more than 120 patients, including several international cases, the research demonstrated a 92% remission rate with no significant toxicity. These results are consistent with the highest global standards in cancer care. The project was developed by a multidisciplinary Moroccan team led by principal investigator Dr. Hamza Samlali and coordinated by Dr. Najlaa Assaid. The medical physics team included Youness Khobbaizi, Omar Hanicha, Mahdi Abou El Houda, and Sanaa Nabil, under the leadership of Professor Redouane Samlali, founder of Oncorad Group. The initiative also received academic support from Professor Hassan Jouhadi, head of oncology at the University Hospital of Casablanca and professor at the city's Faculty of Medicine. Read also: Oncorad Group Celebrates First Cryoablation Procedure in Morocco, North Africa This publication represents the largest clinical series of its kind from Africa and the MENA region and positions Oncorad as a leading regional actor in cancer treatment and research. The study's inclusion of international patients further underscores its transnational relevance. Beyond this achievement, Oncorad's research unit continues to pursue a wide range of projects focused on locally adapted, innovative cancer care solutions. These include advances in robotic surgery, state-of-the-art radiotherapy techniques, and investigations into the genetic and biological dimensions of cancer—all supported through collaborations with national and international partners. Advances in Radiation Oncology is globally recognized for promoting impactful clinical research, particularly from resource-limited settings. With an impact factor of 2.7 and listings in leading databases such as PubMed Central, Scopus, and Web of Science, the journal's publication of Oncorad's study marks a significant milestone for African contributions to global medical literature. By bringing African data and perspectives to the forefront of scientific dialogue, Oncorad aims to support the development of more inclusive, evidence-based treatment strategies that benefit cancer patients across low- and middle-income countries. Tags: HealthOncoradProstate Cancer
Morocco World
7 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Raja Launch 1,000-Member Plan to Reshape Club Leadership
Raja Club Athletic announced a new campaign on Monday to expand its parliamentary body to 1,000 members, in a move designed to overhaul the club's governance structure. In a statement issued that morning, the Casablanca-based club said the initiative seeks to transform Raja's parliament into a genuine decision-making force that reflects the aspirations of fans – especially at a time when the club is undergoing major changes, particularly at the administrative and managerial levels. Membership will grant holders a seat in the Raja Parliament – the club's highest decision-making authority – and the right to vote in presidential elections. Members will also be invited to contribute to the club's strategic planning, join internal committees, and take part in ongoing development projects. The club said reaching the 1,000-member milestone would mark an unprecedented achievement in Moroccan football. After a decade of financial instability and institutional drift, Raja's president, Jawad Ziyat, is now seeking to rebuild the club and lay the foundations for long-term success. Tags: botola proRaja Club Athletic
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Official: Raja Athletic Club Signs Khalid Alaoui
Raja Athletic Club officially announced today the signing of Khalid Akber Alaoui, the ex-goalkeeper of the Olympic of Safi. Khalid lands at the Casablanca-based team on a three-year contract as part of the team's strategy to reinforce their goalkeeping position. 'This signing aligns harmoniously with the management board's strategy and aims to strengthen the first team with promising and competent players capable of making an impact and contributing to the club's objectives,' the club said in a statement today. 'We welcome goalkeeper Khalid Akbiri to his new home and wish him a successful career filled with dedication and achievements with Raja Club Athletic.' Alaoui played a pivotal role in Olympique Safi's winning the Moroccan Throne Cup title last year. He made over 26 league appearances last season, playing a total of 2,340 minutes and keeping 10 clean sheets. The goalkeeper started his professional journey at MAS Fez, after moving to Raja Beni Mellal on loan from MAS. He transferred to Chabab Soualem before aligning with Olympic of Safi in July 2022. Tags: Morocco's Raja Club
