The Moroccan football league is set to kick off with great anticipation and excitement as teams have made significant signings and changes in their squads. The new season comes after a thrilling transfer window, with teams looking to make a strong impression and compete for the top spot. Last season's champion, Maghreb Fes, looks to defend its title, having ended a 41-year drought. They have strengthened their squad with African players, including South Africans Chigozofatso Mabasa, Divine Titus, and youngster Narcisse Yedrauogo.
Maghreb Fes will begin their campaign against Nahdat Zemamra, but they face an administrative crisis following the sudden resignation of their president, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Nahdat Berkane is looking for revenge after losing the title last season and exiting the Champions League in the semi-finals. They have appointed Pedro Brito, who led Cape Verde to the World Cup, as their new coach and have also signed captain Ryan Mendes to bolster their squad.
The Royal Army, based in the capital, has undergone significant restructuring, including changes in seven key positions, under the Portuguese coach Pedro Soares Goncalves. They have signed players such as Nebil Marmouk and Salah Eddine Rahouli to strengthen their defense and Gift Kitambala to boost their attack. The team aims to regain the title they missed last season.
Raja Club Athletic is going through a transitional phase under Spanish coach Paco Jimenez and has made nine new signings, including Romanian Marian Hoga and Brazilian Felipe. The team looks to build a competitive squad that can meet the expectations of their fans and return to the top.
The current season stands out for the significant presence of Portuguese coaches, with six Portuguese tacticians leading teams, making up 37.5% of the league's coaching staff. This includes Rui Almeida at Maghreb Fes, Paulo Sergio at Wydad, and Ricardo Formosinho at Fath Union Sport.
The excitement of the new season is also marked by the return of Moghreb Tetouan to the top division, having won the second division title, and the historic debut of Tiznit in the professional league.
The new season promises to be thrilling, with teams making significant signings and changes, and a strong Portuguese influence on the coaching staff. The competition will be fierce, with teams vying for the top spot and a chance to represent Morocco in African competitions.
Key points
- The Moroccan football league features a significant Portuguese influence, with six Portuguese coaches leading teams.
- Maghreb Fes looks to defend their title, having ended a 41-year drought last season.
- Raja Club Athletic has made nine new signings as they look to return to the top.
