Latest news with #BotolaPro
Morocco World
15 hours 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
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Yahya Jabrane Returns Back to Wydad
Rabat – Moroccan international Yahya Jabrane has officially returned to Wydad Casablanca after one season with the Kuwaiti first-tier Club Kuwait SC. The player confirmed the return on a definitive agreement with the club management led by Hicham Ait Menna, about the settlement of a significant salary debt held by the club. Jabrane has agreed to the settlement regarding the withdrawal of the complaint he had filed against Wydad AC after they refused to respond to him about the financial substitutes. The 34-year-old carved out a place in Wydad's history by winning three Botola Pro titles with the club during the 2018–19, 2020–21, and 2021–22 seasons. In addition, he played a pivotal role in the triumph during the CAF Champions League in the 2021-22 season as captain of the team through the championship. His return restores a vital source of leadership and experience that was notably absent during Wydad's difficult season last year. Tags: Wydad CasablancaYahya Jabrane
Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
AS FAR Announce Eight New Signings Ahead of 2025-26 Season
AS FAR Rabat have confirmed the arrival of eight new players ahead of the 2025-26 season as head coach Alexandre Santos looks to rebuild the squad. The club has added reinforcements across all positions in a bid to improve depth and replace key departures. The new signings are: Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (29, goalkeeper): Joins on a free transfer from Wydad Casablanca. A five-time Botola Pro winner and 2022 CAF Champions League champion, he was part of Morocco's squad during the 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph. Joins on a free transfer from Wydad Casablanca. A five-time Botola Pro winner and 2022 CAF Champions League champion, he was part of Morocco's squad during the 2022 Qatar World Cup triumph. Marouane Louadni (28, centre-back): Returns from Qatar's Umm Salal SC. The former FUS Rabat and Rapide Oued Zem defender signs as a free agent. Returns from Qatar's Umm Salal SC. The former FUS Rabat and Rapide Oued Zem defender signs as a free agent. Mohamed El Abd Nouh (24, centre-back): Mauritanian international joins from FC Nouadhibou in a $180,000 deal. Mauritanian international joins from FC Nouadhibou in a $180,000 deal. Taoufik Razko (26, midfielder): Signs from JS Soualem after a season where he made 26 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and assisting twice. Transfer cost: $38,000. Signs from JS Soualem after a season where he made 26 league appearances, scoring 3 goals and assisting twice. Transfer cost: $38,000. Soulaimane El Bouchqali (25, central midfielder): Rejoins AS FAR after the club activated a buy-back clause with Renaissance Zemamra. His contract runs until 2028. Rejoins AS FAR after the club activated a buy-back clause with Renaissance Zemamra. His contract runs until 2028. Hamza Khabba (29, striker): Returns on a free transfer from Kuwait's Al Arabi, where he finished as the league's top scorer with 21 goals and ranked second in assists. Returns on a free transfer from Kuwait's Al Arabi, where he finished as the league's top scorer with 21 goals and ranked second in assists. Jamal Ech Chamakh (27, left-back): Arrives from Hassania Agadir after making 139 league appearances and scoring four goals. Arrives from Hassania Agadir after making 139 league appearances and scoring four goals. Abdelhamid Yunis (37, centre-back): Signs as a free agent from Saint-Étienne. The Moroccan international adds experience and depth to the backline. The arrivals are aimed at reinforcing the defence, particularly following the departures of Hatim Es-Saoubi, Larbi Naji, Hicham Boussefiane, El Hassan Hobeib, Henock Inonga, Et-Tayab Boukheriss and Akram Nakkach. However, fan reaction has been mixed. On the club's official Facebook page, one user wrote: 'The team needs a striker, a defensive midfielder, and a high-calibre winger.' Another commented: 'Honestly, all these signings are irrelevant — they won't benefit the team in any way.' Criticism was also directed at the goalkeeper signing. One supporter said: 'So now you're bringing us a goalkeeper just to scare the opponents? It's shameful to bring a keeper who was playing in Tetouan and Fes, struggled there, and now you bring him here without proper consideration – this is unacceptable!' AS FAR are now set to begin preparations for the upcoming Botola season and the CAF competitions, with hopes of returning to title contention.
Morocco World
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Rachid Taoussi Appointed New Kawkab Head Coach
Kawkab of Marrakech announced its separation from its coach, Reda Hakim, despite his success in leading the team back to the Botola Pro first division. Rachid Taoussi will now take over as the new head for the next season. On the evening of Monday, July 7, the club's board met with Reda Hakam to reach a mutual agreement to terminate the contract amicably, following a decision by club president Idriss Hanifa. Hanifa is now set to meet Taoussi to finalize contract details and begin pre-season preparation as the club aspires to ensure a successful return to the Moroccan top division. Taoussi brings a wealth of experience having previously coached the Moroccan national team and managed several renowned clubs including Maghreb de Fez, AS FAR, RS Berkane, CR Belouizdad, ES Sétif, Olympique Khouri, Raja AC and most recently Azam FC in Tanzania, where he competed against giants like Simba SC and Young Africans. Tags: botola proMarrakechRachid Taoussi
Morocco World
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad to Axe 21 Players in Summer Reshuffle
Wydad Athletic Club are set to release 21 players as part of a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. The clear-out follows a disappointing season, including a third-place finish in the Botola Pro and an early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, where Wydad lost all three matches – against Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain. According to various sources, head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem has confirmed the list of departing players, which includes senior figures such as goalkeeper Youssef El Moutie, and defenders Aymane Dairani, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Jamal Harkass, Nabil Marmouk, and Fahd Moufi. Midfielders and forwards leaving the squad include Ismail Moutaraji, Pedrinho, Arthur Wenderroscky, Mehdi Moubarik, Stéphane Aziz Ki, Saifeddine Bouhra, and Walid Nassi. Several young or fringe players – Ayoub Marsa, Rayhi, Ghilane, and Obang – are also set to depart. The club is undergoing a full rebuild as it looks to restore dominance in both Moroccan and African competitions. Tactical consistency and squad depth remain key challenges heading into the new season. Offloading surplus players and managing structural changes are seen as necessary steps in the process. Tags: botola proClub World Cupwydad
