Morocco’s Olympique Safi secure major financial boost ahead of Wydad showdown in Confederation Cup

Olympique Safi have received a significant financial injection as they prepare for their highly anticipated CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash against Wydad Athletic Club.

Club officials were relieved after securing a total of 370 million centimes, a development that has given management the flexibility to address several pending matters, particularly the outstanding salaries of players and members of the technical staff.

The timely payments come at a crucial moment, with the team gearing up for one of the most important fixtures in its history.

Sources indicate that 120 million centimes were provided by the Safi Municipal Council, while a further 150 million centimes came from the Regional Council. Both amounts were transferred directly into the club’s bank account, enabling the swift settlement of part of the delayed wages after some players had voiced concerns over unpaid dues.

In addition, the club is expecting 100 million centimes from its official sponsor, OCP Group, as an advance on the annual grant of 900 million centimes. This anticipated payment is expected to further stabilise the club financially during a decisive phase of what has been described as an exceptional season.

On the continental front, Olympique Safi are also awaiting the remaining 300,000 dollars from the Confederation of African Football for reaching the quarter finals, having already received 250,000 dollars from the total allocation of 550,000 dollars for this stage of the competition.

The quarter-final draw held in Cairo produced an all-Moroccan encounter between Olympique Safi and Wydad, marking the first time this season that two Moroccan sides will meet in the knockout rounds of the tournament.

The fixture carries added intrigue due to the tactical battle expected between Safi’s head coach, Zakaria Aboub, and Wydad’s manager, Mohamed Amine Benhachem.

Determined to capitalise on the financial boost, Olympique Safi’s management has allocated a substantial portion of the funds to clear remaining dues and introduce attractive performance bonuses.

The move is aimed at motivating the squad to overcome Wydad and continue what has already become a historic African campaign for the club.