Morocco coach Issame Charaï named Belgian Pro League Coach of the Month

Moroccan coach Issame Charaï has been named Belgian Pro League Coach of the Month for September after guiding KVC Westerlo through an impressive run of results.

The former Morocco Under-23 coach helped Westerlo recover from a difficult start to the season, collecting 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five league matches to climb to sixth in the standings.

Westerlo’s revival included a 4-0 victory over KV Mechelen and a 4-2 win against Standard Liège. They also secured a 2-0 away victory over Sint-Truiden before recording a commanding 5-1 win against Royal Antwerp on 11 October.

The results have restored confidence at the Belgian club and earned Charaï recognition for his work in turning around the team’s early-season fortunes.

Players present Charaï with award

According to Belgian newspaper HLN, Charaï received the award during a special presentation at the club’s facilities, where his players handed him the trophy.

The Moroccan coach expressed his gratitude to those involved in the team’s recent progress, acknowledging the commitment and hard work of his coaching staff and players.

He also highlighted the importance of collective effort in Westerlo’s improvement, crediting teamwork as a key factor behind their recent results.

From Morocco’s U-23 triumph to Belgium

Charaï established his reputation on the international stage while coaching Morocco’s Under-23 team.

He led the young Atlas Lions to the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, securing qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Morocco defeated Egypt 2-1 after extra time in the final to claim the continental title, marking a significant achievement for the country’s youth football programme.

His work with Morocco’s emerging talents helped build his reputation as a coach with experience in developing young players and assembling competitive teams.

The September award represents another milestone in Charaï’s coaching career and adds to the growing recognition of Moroccan coaches working in European football.