Johannesburg, 16/01/2023 (MAP) – Morocco is an example for African nations to follow in promoting soccer as they work to promote their football heritage, South Africa’s mass circulation daily « The Star » reported.
« Morocco’s resounding success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will go down in the annals of history, boldly proving that Africa is a footballing continent, » the newspaper said in an op-ed.
It added that « never since the beginning of the World Cup 92 years ago, an African nation had qualified for the semi-finals of this flagship event. The Atlas Lions have rewritten history.
« They beat Portugal, the best team in Europe just six years ago, in the quarterfinals to send not only their country, but the entire African continent into a frenzy of celebration and joy, » it continued.
Noting that the soccer of the continent has its shortcomings on which it must work hard to remedy, it said that Morocco has seriously begun this process.
The media recalled, in this regard, that the Kingdom has invested heavily in the development of its soccer, including the construction of the Mohammed VI complex in Rabat, just before the crisis of the Covid-19.
« Funds have been used in a thoughtful manner and with a clear purpose, » said the media, noting that through these efforts, Moroccan soccer clubs have flourished on the continent by qualifying and winning major tournaments.
He noted, in this regard, that in 2022, the South African Pitso Mosimane resigned as coach of the Egyptian club Al Ahly after losing the Champions League final to Wydad Casablanca.
« The Moroccans were then coached by Walid Regragui, who became the first coach of African origin to lead his country to the World Cup semi-finals, » the publication concluded.