During this CAN, the Lion Cubs of the Atlas commanded respect and gave a beautiful image of Moroccan football which now reigns in the firmament of continental football, thanks in particular to the exploits of the Moroccan selections and clubs.
Behind these feats is a well-crafted sports policy put in place thanks to a far-sighted royal vision which places youth at the center of interests. Thus, the Mohammed VI Football Academy, alongside other academies belonging to national clubs, stole the show during this competition, through the presence of nine players from this sports infrastructure.
Already during the 2022 World Cup, this modern sports venue, which combines sport and studies, was in the spotlight, thanks to the historic feat of the Atlas Lions who qualified for the semi-finals, a level never achieved by an Arab or African selection.
The epic of the National Eleven at the Qatari World Cup, where Oualid Regragui’s men reached the semi-finals after a historic and exceptional journey, was largely the fruit of this proactive strategy which put in place the necessary means for the training of young players who are now enjoying the glory days of the biggest European clubs, like Youssef En-Nessyri with Sevilla FC, Nayef Aguered with West Ham, or even Azzeddine Ounahi with Olympique de Marseille.
This policy of training and establishment of high-level sports facilities was also manifested through the inauguration of the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
Thus, as part of His High Concern towards national football, HM the King proceeded, on December 9, 2019 in Salé, not far from the Mohammed VI Football Academy, to the inauguration of the Mohammed VI Football Complex, a integrated structure dedicated to performance and excellence, which plays a complementary role in the development of national football.
A concentration of expertise and know-how, the Mohammed VI Football Complex, built on a 29.3 ha plot of land, is intended to accommodate national teams in preparation courses, as well as foreign national teams who wish to carry out their concentration courses in Morocco.
This complex, built by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, reflects the great concern with which the Sovereign has never ceased to surround sport and youth and His desire to ensure national football professionals all the conditions for success and success, so that they can represent their country properly.
These efforts are starting to bear fruit. Thus, national football has enjoyed all-round success in recent years at the level of all categories, like the women’s team and the futsal team, as well as the national clubs which participate in continental championships and cups.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Development Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this edition of Time.news. Today, we are thrilled to have with us Dr. Amina Boulahfa, a football development expert with extensive experience in youth sports programs. Dr. Boulahfa, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Amina Boulahfa: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss the exciting developments in Moroccan football.
Editor: We’ve recently seen a remarkable rise in Moroccan football on the continental stage, especially with the inspiring display of the Lion Cubs of the Atlas. What do you believe are the key factors that have contributed to this success?
Dr. Boulahfa: The success of the Lion Cubs can be attributed to a well-crafted sports policy and a visionary approach from the royal leadership in Morocco. Placing youth at the forefront has ensured that we not only nurture talent but also instill a sense of pride and professionalism in them from a young age.
Editor: The Mohammed VI Football Academy has played a pivotal role in this journey. Can you elaborate on why this academy stands out?
Dr. Boulahfa: Absolutely! The Mohammed VI Football Academy is unique in that it combines academia with football training, creating well-rounded individuals who excel both on and off the pitch. During recent competitions, we had nine players representing this academy, which underscores its effectiveness as a breeding ground for talent.
Editor: Reflecting on the 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions reached an unprecedented semi-final stage. How significant was this achievement in shaping youth football in Morocco?
Dr. Boulahfa: This was a groundbreaking moment for Moroccan, Arab, and African football. The journey of the Atlas Lions not only captured the hearts of millions but also highlighted the potential of our local talent. The semi-final run was, in many ways, a realization of our investments in youth training facilities and coaching strategies. It gave young players a tangible goal to aspire to.
Editor: You mentioned the proactive strategy behind the scenes. Can you share some specific elements of this strategy?
Dr. Boulahfa: Certainly! The strategy includes ongoing investment in training facilities, regular international exposure for young players, and partnerships between local clubs and international organizations. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on coaching education, ensuring that our coaches are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in football development.
Editor: It sounds like Morocco has a robust framework in place. What should other nations consider in order to replicate this success?
Dr. Boulahfa: Each nation has unique contexts, but some universal steps include investing in grassroots programs, fostering partnerships between educational institutions and sports organizations, and ensuring access to high-quality training facilities. Most importantly, there needs to be a long-term vision that prioritizes youth development over immediate gains.
Editor: As we look to the future, what are your hopes for Moroccan football?
Dr. Boulahfa: My hope is that we continue to build on this momentum not just by qualifying for major tournaments, but by establishing a sustainable model that produces players who can compete at the highest levels globally. If we can maintain our investment in youth and keep the passion alive, I believe the sky is the limit for Moroccan football.
Editor: Dr. Boulahfa, thank you for sharing your insights with us. The future of Moroccan football certainly looks bright!
Dr. Boulahfa: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our progress.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay connected with Time.news for more engaging discussions on sports and beyond!