Badou Zaki era begins as Jordan FA sets date for new coach’s presentation

The Jordan Football Association has confirmed that Morocco’s Badou Zaki will be formally presented as the new head coach of the national team at a news conference on Thursday, 6 August.

The announcement was made on Sunday, shortly after the association’s board, chaired by Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, appointed Zaki on a one-year contract. He succeeds fellow Moroccan Jamal Sellami and will take charge of Jordan’s national team for its upcoming commitments.

The association said the presentation would take place at its headquarters at 12:00 local time on Thursday.

In an official statement, it said: “The Jordan Football Association will hold a press conference at 12:00 noon on Thursday, 6 August, at its headquarters, to present the Moroccan coach of the national team, Badou Zaki, and discuss the features of the next phase for the national team.”

The statement added: “The association invites representatives of accredited media outlets to attend the presentation ceremony and cover the press conference.”

Zaki arrives with a distinguished playing and coaching record, including a notable role in Morocco’s historic run at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Morocco reached the last 16 at that tournament, becoming the first African country to finish top of a World Cup group.

He was also named Africa’s best player in 1986 and enjoyed a prominent club career with Spanish side Real Mallorca.

As a manager, Zaki led Morocco to the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations. He has also coached a number of clubs and national teams during his career.

His previous club appointments include Wydad Athletic Club, Fath Union Sport, Kawkab Marrakech and Ittihad Tanger. At international level, he has managed Sudan and Niger, in addition to his work with Morocco.

The Jordan Football Association’s statement did not provide further details about Zaki’s programme or the specific targets attached to his one-year agreement. Those issues are expected to form part of Thursday’s discussion when the new coach outlines the next stage of his work with the national team.

Zaki replaces Sellami, who had been in charge before the Jordanian association turned to another Moroccan coach. His appointment gives the national side a manager with experience at both international tournaments and club level, while Thursday’s event will mark the official start of his tenure in Jordan.