A feat eminently revealing of Moroccan talent which is intended to match the ambition that HM King Mohammed VI has for a radiant national football which is making a place of choice internationally, as was the case at the Qatar World Cup. 2022.
Ahead of the exploits signed by the various Moroccan selections, there is in fact patient work imbued with seriousness, commitment and the values of sincere patriotism, under the visionary leadership of the Sovereign.
If the Royal vision bears fruit at the major events of world football, this is indeed an illustration of the development programs initiated and driven at the highest level of the State.
Implemented in August 2020 following the signing of the Women’s Football Development Plan in Morocco 2020-2024, the development of this discipline wasted no time in putting this sport on track, as part of an approach ambitious, structured and uninhibited.
As proof, the A selection succeeded for the first time in reserving its ticket to play in the final stages of the World Cup, just as it reached the CAN final in 2022. A first. These achievements come less than two years after the professionalization of the national championship, under the leadership of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which aims to reach the mark of 90,000 licensees by 2024.
Women’s football, once relegated to amateur status, has definitely taken off since 2020, to emerge as a model on an African scale and beyond, and show the way for the continent.
The efforts made by the FRMF have thus enabled the emergence of a professional practice of football: payment of salaries to players, direct subsidies to clubs (buses, jerseys, balls, etc.) in addition to other incentive measures.
Divided into three parts, this well-crafted plan, with targeted actions at the heart of it, revolves around restructuring, development of the discipline and monitoring of national selections.
The Federation has also deployed prospecting and talent detection projects in the different provinces of the Kingdom, but also ensured the improvement of the skills of national technical executives and the implementation of a Sport-Studies program.
The clubs were not left out in this virtuous dynamic: substantial support was provided to regional clubs and leagues as well as Elite clubs, associated with the establishment of quality infrastructure to increase the pace workouts.
Another workhorse of this roadmap, the Federation launched an ambitious training program for the benefit of dozens of participants in Rabat and Saïdia, an initiative which was then extended to regional football centers.
Concretely, the Kingdom obtained the organization of the 2022 women’s CAN, the FAR of Rabat finished in third place in the first edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League, while the under-17 selection is qualified for the 2023 World Cup.
The exploit of the Lionesses of the Atlas thus echoes the high content of the Speech delivered last Saturday by HM the King, in which the Sovereign underlined: “In fact, each time Moroccan youth have had the means to giving the full measure of her seriousness and her patriotism, she fascinated the world with performances of an unprecedented caliber, like the feat accomplished by the National Selection at the last Football World Cup.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Development Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re exploring the exciting developments in Moroccan football, particularly the strides made in women’s football. I’m joined by Dr. Fatima El Habbadi, a renowned expert in sports management and gender equality in athletics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Habbadi!
Dr. Fatima El Habbadi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an inspiring topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Morocco has made headlines recently with its national teams excelling on the world stage, especially in the wake of the Qatar World Cup 2022. Can you elaborate on the role that HM King Mohammed VI has played in this transformation?
Dr. Habbadi: Absolutely! The King’s vision for Moroccan football is not just about immediate success; it’s about laying a foundation for sustainable growth. His commitment to the sport has galvanized efforts at every level, allowing for a focused approach that aligns with national pride and ambition. The Royal support has played a crucial role in elevating the profile of Moroccan football, both locally and internationally.
Editor: It’s evident that there’s a strategic plan in place. The Women’s Football Development Plan initiated in August 2020 appears to have set a new course for women’s football in Morocco. What were some key elements of this plan?
Dr. Habbadi: The Women’s Football Development Plan is multifaceted. It promotes structured programs that not only encourage participation but also professional standards in training and infrastructure. Since its implementation, we’ve seen rapid advancements, such as increased financial support for players, a commitment to professionalizing the sport, and the aim of registering 90,000 players by 2024. This represents a significant shift in how women’s football is perceived and supported.
Editor: Impressive! Just recently, the Moroccan national women’s team made history by qualifying for the World Cup and reaching the CAN final. What does this signify for women’s football in Africa?
Dr. Habbadi: These achievements are revolutionary! They mark a turning point, showcasing that with the right support and investment, women’s football can flourish. Morocco’s successes are setting a precedent and serving as a model for other African nations. It sends a powerful message that women in sports deserve equal opportunities and recognition.
Editor: The professionalization of the national championship has also been a noteworthy development. How has this shift affected the players and the overall landscape of football in Morocco?
Dr. Habbadi: The professionalization has transformed the sporting landscape. Players now receive salaries, which not only helps in financial independence but elevates the sport’s credibility. Support to clubs, in terms of resources like transportation and equipment, ensures that teams can compete at a higher level. This structural investment means better training facilities, more competitive leagues, and ultimately, improved performances on the pitch.
Editor: As we look ahead, what more can be done to ensure the continued growth of football in Morocco, especially in terms of gender parity?
Dr. Habbadi: While significant strides have been made, there must be ongoing efforts to maintain momentum. More outreach programs are necessary to engage young girls in sports, educational campaigns to foster a culture of inclusivity, and continued investment in training and facilities. Moreover, we need to champion female role models in the sport to inspire the next generation.
Editor: Absolutely. The future looks promising for Moroccan football! Thank you, Dr. Habbadi, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that Morocco is not just playing catch-up but is poised to be a leader in football development on the continent.
Dr. Habbadi: Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Moroccan football, and I’m thrilled to see how it continues to evolve.
Editor: That concludes our interview. Thank you, everyone, for tuning in. Let’s keep an eye on Morocco as it paves the way for a brighter future in football!