The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced on Wednesday that Spanish coach Jorge Vilda has been relieved of his duties as technical director of the Moroccan women's national team. This decision marks the end of Vilda's nearly three-year tenure with the team. The federation revealed that French coach Eric Brachot will take charge of the team for two friendly matches against Uzbekistan on October 6 and 12.
Vilda's departure comes after a significant period in Moroccan women's football, during which the team achieved notable success under his guidance. The team qualified for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil and secured second place in the previous two editions of the Africa Women's Cup of Nations. However, the team finished fourth in the last edition of the tournament, held in Morocco in July, after losing to Cameroon in the semi-finals.
Before joining Morocco, Vilda had a successful stint with the Spanish women's national team, leading them to their first-ever World Cup title in 2023. However, his tenure with Spain ended abruptly after he was dismissed by Pedro Rocha, then president of the temporary administrative committee of the Spanish Football Federation. This decision came amid controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales, the federation's president, who was suspended following the World Cup celebrations.
During his time with Morocco, Vilda oversaw the team's participation in several continental tournaments and their qualification for the upcoming World Cup. Despite not winning any major titles with the team, Vilda played a crucial role in establishing Morocco as a rising force in African women's football. The team's progress under his guidance has been notable, with a growing reputation in the region.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced plans to organize a new training camp for the women's national team. This move is part of the team's preparations for upcoming international matches, including the World Cup. The appointment of Eric Brachot as interim coach is seen as a strategic decision to provide fresh impetus to the team ahead of these crucial matches.
Vilda's dismissal and the appointment of Brachot reflect the dynamic nature of football management, where teams often seek new directions to achieve success. For Morocco, this transition presents an opportunity to regroup and refocus on their goals in women's football. The team's performance in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations and their World Cup qualification highlight their potential.
As Morocco prepares for the next phase of their football journey, the focus will be on how the team adapts under new leadership. With a solid foundation established under Vilda, the team is poised to continue their upward trajectory in the world of women's football. The upcoming friendly matches against Uzbekistan will provide valuable insights into the team's current form and readiness for future challenges.
Key points
- Morocco ends Jorge Vilda's tenure as women's national team coach after nearly 3 years.
