21-04-2025
Moroccan-Dutch coaches seek UEFA PRO diploma via Morocco
Moroccan former professional footballer and current Sparta assistant coach Nourdin Boukhari is working to obtain the UEFA PRO diploma through Morocco, after being deemed ineligible for the course in the Netherlands for now.
«Yes, I'm trying», Boukhari said on ESPN's Goedemorgen Eredivisie. «I've indicated to the KNVB that I want to do UEFA PRO to get my highest coaching credentials. But to qualify for that, I first have to train a team independently for one year. Only then can I do UEFA PRO with the KNVB».
With that requirement standing in his way, Boukhari is turning to the Moroccan Football Federation, which is opening its doors to Moroccan-Dutch coaches based in Europe. «The Moroccan association has indicated that they want to give Moroccan-Dutch trainers in the Netherlands the opportunity to grow as a trainer in Morocco», he said.
«They want to arrange that paper for you there. For that, you have to be in Morocco a few times, also be on the field, and then they look at the qualities that you have. They also want to come to the Netherlands a few times. And then there are a lot of online meetings», he explained.
He's not alone. Others going through the same process include Saïd Bakkati, Ali Boussaboun, Oussama Assaidi, Karim El Ahmadi, and Khalid Sinouh. «I am trying to complete that as soon as possible», Boukhari said. «But that piece of paper is only valid in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They are working on making that diploma valid in Europe as well».
