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RABAT, Dec 16 (Reuters) – At a soccer academy close to Rabat, 100 younger Moroccans hope to emulate the success of alumni who took the nationwide group to a World Cup semi-final and can play in a third-place sport on Saturday.
Morocco spent $13 million to construct the Mohammed VI Soccer Academy in 2010 when the dominion’s soccer scene was within the doldrums, lagging behind African counterparts after having failed to achieve the World Cup since 1998.
Whereas lots of the triumphant African Lions squad grew up overseas, 4 of those that had been born in Morocco educated as kids on the nation’s principal academy, which brings in expertise from throughout the nation.
“Talent has at all times existed in Morocco, however correct coaching of skills at a youthful age was missing,” stated the academy’s Tarik El Khazri who coached Youssef En-Nesyri, scorer of Morocco’s successful headed aim of their quarter-final defeat of Spain.
“We’ve got gamers from throughout Morocco and from totally different social teams … expertise is the principle standards.”
The three different nationwide group gamers who studied and educated on the academy are Azzedine Ounahi, Nayef Aguerd and Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.
The academy stretches over 17 hectares and has its personal boarding home, restaurant, clinic, leisure corridor, swimming pool and lecture rooms, in addition to 9 pitches together with a coated one.
The curriculum combines coaching on the pitch with classroom courses. Most college students depart the academy with a bachelor’s diploma.
Some 90% of graduates get jobs as soccer gamers, stated Belmahdi Abdellatif, one other coach, and most massive Moroccan groups comprise gamers who began out on the academy.
Others have gone to play in Europe.
In the meantime, Moroccan soccer is on the up, with its golf equipment successful all three pan-African tournaments this yr.
“After the profitable participation of the Moroccan nationwide group, we’re flooded with functions,” stated Khazri.
“Gamers and employees are very proud to see former graduates contributing to the prowess of the nationwide group.”
Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Modifying by Angus McDowall and Andrew Cawthorne
Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
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