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IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou departs Marumo Gallants after a brief but impactful tenure
Former head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has left Marumo Gallants after just a few months in charge. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a surprising turn of events, Abdeslam Ouaddou has announced his departure from Marumo Gallants, just a few months after taking the reins of the Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League side. The French-Moroccan coach made his announcement through a social media statement on Saturday night, expressing gratitude to the club's staff, players, and supporters for their unwavering support during his time at the helm. Ouaddou's statement read: 'I would like to announce with this press release the end of the adventure with the Marumo Gallants club. To the incredible Siwelele Sa Marumo Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the season. Your chants, your songs, your energy in the stands, they meant everything to us. 🙌🏽#MarumoGallants #BahlabaneBantwa #SiweleleSaMarumo — MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) May 21, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "It has been a great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club. I would like to thank first of all my players, my president, and all the stakeholders of the club who participated from near or far in this mission to save the club, without forgetting our magnificent supporters. "The people of Bloemfontein will remain in my heart forever. I wish the best to Marumo Gallants as well as to my players. "I love you guys. I obviously remain open to any proposal for an ambitious project and am determined to take on a new challenge.' Ouaddou's tenure at Gallants began in March, replacing Dan Malesela, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender. His arrival injected a fresh sense of purpose, highlighted by an impressive victory over Orlando Pirates in his debut match. Under his guidance, the team experienced a revival that left fans buzzing with optimism. He lifted the side from a precarious position to a commendable tenth place in the league and led them to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup. Ouaddou's final game turned out to be a crucial moment, as a victory against Magesi FC could have secured a Top 8 spot.
Ya Biladi
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Migrations and World Literatures : A global journey by Salim Jay
Migrations and World Literatures is the latest work by French-Moroccan writer and literary critic Salim Jay. In collaboration with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME) and published by La Croisée des Chemins, this book presents an anthology of novelists from around the world. Drawing from personal experiences and collected testimonies, they narrate «the intimate ins and outs of migration». The author continues his exploration of themes first addressed in Mediterranean Literatures and Migratory Horizons, expanding «towards Somalia and its connection to Italy, Iraq and Syria, not forgetting Cameroon and the United States, Mexico and Hungary, Senegal and Guinea», while also featuring writers from the Maghreb. «Readers will not be surprised by the candor and subtlety of Mohammed Khaïr Eddine recounting his return to Morocco. More surprising is discovering Badawi by the Franco-Syrian Mohed Altrad, now covered in gold, and the harsh reality once lived by George Orwell in Down and Out in Paris and London. Readers will be charmed by Miguel Torga with Senhor Ventura, who takes us to China, and moved by I Did Not Want to Leave by Abdoulaye Soumah, among three dozen fraternal voices that make up Migrations and World Literatures», notes the publisher. Salim Jay particularly questions «the idea that we are human beings and that Earth is our address», hoping to «one day legitimize that no one, anywhere, is confined to their home». Until «the world becomes the country of all and the countries of the world open to everyone», Jay offers a journey through literatures. This anthology is part of that journey, constituting «an invitation to read others, all others, without discrimination, just as we would like it to be possible to approach and welcome others without discrimination».
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Women-majority jury, glitz, glamour and politics: 78th Cannes film festival opens
Political hot spots. And high heels. Only at one film festival can both these issues become talking points at a jury press conference, and that's Cannes. The 78th edition of the Cannes festival, where glitz and glamour is taken as seriously as all things film, presented its feature film jury which boasts five women, including India's Payal Kapadia, as well as the jury president Juliette Binoche, Halle Berry, French-Moroccan journalist Leila Slimani, and Italian actor Alba Rohrwacher. The others are 'Succession' star Jeremy Strong, the astonishingly prolific South Korean director Hong Sang Soo, Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas and documentary filmmaker from Congo, Dieudo Hamadi. Not just stilettos, but 'nudity' and 'voluminous dresses that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests' have officially been sanctioned at the red carpet this year. Binoche was forthcoming on the former, welcoming the move, but was strangely reticent when asked pointedly why she refused to sign a letter on the ongoing Gaza conflict, saying that people will understand her decision 'later'. When pressed, she declined to answer. Kapadia, quite the Cannes darling with her student film and documentary having been presented at the festival, and with her debut 'All We Imagine As Light' having won the Grand Prix last year, said that, 'as a cinephile', she was greatly looking forward to her jury stint. The warm reception of the world press to an Indian film at this very festival, she said, helped it get noticed and facilitated a release back home. Donald Trump's whammy on 100 per cent tariffs on foreign-produced films, which has thrown the global film community into a state of disarray, also came up for discussion. At the opening press conference on Sunday, festival director Thierry Fremaux said that he didn't want to comment, because the US President is known to roll back many of his orders. Binoche felt that Trump's move was to 'save America' and its film industry, which is being impacted by global recessionary trends. Strong, who played the crafty Roy Kohn, the powerful lawyer who shaped Trump's rise and rise in Ali Abbasi's biopic 'The Apprentice' ( which premiered at the Competition section in 2024 ), said that his character was the 'progenitor of fake news, and we're living in the aftermath of what he created'. Fremaux's admiration for big American cinema is well-known. Tom Cruise, whose Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning Part One had premiered out of competition in 2023, is back with The Final Reckoning ( it is releasing globally this week). Veteran Hollywood star Robert De Niro is being honoured with an honorary Palme d'Or, to be given away by Leonardo diCaprio, the pair having acted alongside each other last in Martin Scorcese's 'Killers Of The Flower Moon', which was part of the official selection in 2023. The opening film of the 12-day festival is being touted as a significant first. Amelie Bonnin's French dramady 'Leave One Day', featuring singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet and Bastien Bouillon, is the first debut feature to open Cannes. Just like Bollywood, it has characters breaking into song and dance, but Bonnin has gone on record saying 'it is not a musical; that the music is used as an integral supplementary device'. Unlike 2025, with several films in the official selection, as well as Kapadia's win, there are slimmer Indian pickings this year. Neeraj Ghaywan returns to Cannes with his second feature 'Homebound', starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor : his debut ' Masaan' was in 'Un Certain Regard' section in 2015. The classics section will screen the restored version of Satyajit Ray's classic modernist fable 'Aranyer Din Ratri' (Days and Nights in the Forest), with co-stars Sharmila Tagore and Simi Garewal in attendance, and will be presented by Wes Anderson, a huge Ray devotee. This one should be special.
Ya Biladi
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's 2025 festival season : Dates, headliners, and highlights
The festival season is kicking off in Morocco this mid-May and will run through the summer. With a diverse lineup of music genres ranging from pop and jazz to rap and traditional Gnaoua, the 2025 festival season offers something for every music lover. Whether you're a casual festival-goer, a music enthusiast, or a tourist planning your summer holiday around music festivals, this article is for you. Yabiladi will be listing some of the major festivals taking place this season, their locations, and their headliners. A Strong Start This festival season kicks off with several events in mid-May. The first major event is the Timeless Festival in Casablanca, blending nostalgia, especially for millennials and early 2000s teens, with today's music scene. The Timeless Festival takes place on May 16 and 17, 2025, at Anfa Park. It promises «iconic sounds from the 1980s to today in an electrifying atmosphere», according to the organizers. The first day, starting at 6 p.m., will feature French-Moroccan rapper La Fouine followed by early 2000s R&B star Craig David. The second day will showcase global dancehall icon Sean Paul and Moroccan-Canadian artist Beny Adam, known for his blend of R&B, pop, and urban sounds. The festival will also feature DJ sets, interactive zones, and a food court to keep the vibes alive. Tickets start at 600 MAD for one-day passes. Not far from Casablanca, the Timelapse Festival 's third edition will be held on May 23-24 in Bouznika. This electro music festival boasts a stellar lineup, with Italian DJ Moblack, a pioneer of Afro-house, on the first day. The second day will feature Casablanca duo DJs Nomads, known for «blending deep, soulful beats with the pulse of Morocco». The festival will also showcase local talent with DJs Didiss and Bouta in a back-to-back session and a B3B trio featuring DJs Caiiro Da Capo and Enoo Napa. Tickets for Timelapse Fest start at 600 MAD for a one-day pass, and accommodations are available at The View Bouznika Hotel. A Spiritual Experience in Fès If you're looking for a spiritual musical experience, we recommend the 28th edition of the Sacred Music of the World Festival in Fès, from May 16 to 24. This year's theme, «Renaissances», celebrates cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal. The festival will host over 200 artists from 15 countries, including Turkey, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Sultanate of Oman, and several African nations such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. The program includes performances like Azerbaijani Mugham and Kazakh Songs of the Steppes (May 21), Armenian music by The Naghash Ensemble (May 23), Senegalese Sufism with Mouride Khassaide chants (May 19), and Moroccan master Jojoukas (May 18). Other highlights include Tariqa Tijjanya (May 20) and Aissaoua (May 21). While most concerts are free, some are paid, with prices ranging from 150 MAD to 500 MAD. As May wraps up, Rabat will host the second edition of the Summer Sound Festival from May 29 to 31. Held at Club Wifaq in the leafy Ambassadors district, the festival promises a diverse musical lineup, including headliners: Eliades Ochoa (May 29), a legendary Cuban musician and member of the Buena Vista Social Club; Franglish (May 30), a rising star blending Afropop and R&B and Ninho (May 31), one of the most influential names in contemporary French rap. Ticket prices range from 400 MAD for a one-day pass to 1300 MAD for a three-day pass. Rap fans will also have their own festival in Morocco this season: the 212'FlowFest, taking place on May 15-17 at Salle Renaissance in Rabat. The lineup will feature top Moroccan rap stars such as L'Morphine, Mister You, Snor, Shobee, and Dada, alongside rising local talents. Tickets for this festival start at 400 MAD for a one-day pass and can go up to 5000 MAD for a VIP all-access three-day pass. Nostalgia in Casablanca For fans of retro music, the Nostalgia Lovers Festival returns for its second edition in Casablanca from July 3 to 5. The event will take place at the city's converted Velodrome, bringing back the energy of the 80s and 90s with legendary artists and DJs. The first day will feature electrifying performances by 1990s British dance-pop band Londonbeat and electronic music star Rozalla. The second day will keep the party going with Lou Bega, known for his 1999 hit «Mambo No. 5». The third day promises an explosive finale with Brazilian diva Salomé de Bahia and American group C+C Music Factory. Tickets range from 590 MAD for a one-day pass to 1590 MAD for a three-day pass. Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira June brings another major festival: The 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, taking place from June 19 to 21 in Essaouira. This year's edition will feature 33 Gnaoua Maâlems alongside international artists. Maâlem Khalid Sansi from Casablanca will perform with Cuban funk artist Cimafunk, while Maâlem Morad ElMarjan will collaborate with Tunisian oud master Dhafer Youssef. Other highlights include Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou with Malian singer Rokia Koné, and Nigerian singer Ckay, embracing Afrobeat. Tickets for VIP access are available for 1200 MAD for a three-day pass. Mawazine Returns to Rabat From June 20 to 28, Rabat will host the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival. Spanning six stages, five in Rabat and one in Sale, the festival promises a diverse lineup, including American rapper 50 Cent (June 21), reggae icon Julian Marley (June 28), Egyptian pop star Ruby (June 20), and K-pop group aespa (June 24). Other headliners include Will Smith (June 25), Kid Cudi (June 23), and Moroccan rap star El Grande Toto. The concerts are for free with paid VIP access available. Back to Casablanca, Jazzablanca 2025 is set to light up the city from July 3 to 12. This year's lineup includes big names like the Black-Eyed Peas, the soulful Seal, the legendary Kool & the Gang, and Grammy-nominated Lebanese trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf. But that's not all – Moroccan stars like Oum, Hamid El Kasri, and Mehdi Nassouli will also take the stage, showcasing the rich local talent. The festival will be held at the Anfa Park with tickets ranging from 600 MAD per day to a 3000 MAD full pass.
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Expat talent in the picture as Xi Jinping visits Shanghai AI hub
A French-Moroccan mathematician was among a group of researchers Chinese President Xi Jinping met during a tour of an AI start-up hub in Shanghai on Tuesday in an apparent show of support for foreign entrepreneurs in the country Advertisement Hamza Boukili, an entrepreneur and maths teacher at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), was among those on hand for Xi's trip to the SMC Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Centre, according to the Shanghai-based Shangguan Observer. The centre is one of China's first incubators and accelerators for large-scale artificial intelligence models, and the visit was Xi's first inspection trip since the revival of the US-China tariff war this year. According to the report, Boukili started working at SJTU in 2020 and became a permanent resident of China this year. Permanent residency is a highly selective process and, according to the Shanghai government, applicants must either be employed by a designated science and technology innovation company, or have had an annual salary of at least six times the annual urban employee average. Alternatively, they can qualify if they are core members of research teams. Advertisement The report also said Boukili had a company that used AI to conserve energy and reduce emissions. 'I can clearly feel that everyone is highly supportive of entrepreneurship. The results we've achieved are of great value to individuals, the university where I work, and even the entire region,' the report quoted him as saying. 'When the environment is that good, why not jump into it?'
