Wydad Athletic Club head coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem has shared key updates on his team’s situation ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup group stage encounter against Maniema, as the Moroccan giants prepare for their third-round fixture.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Benhachem touched on several issues related to squad composition, technical preparations and the crucial role supporters are expected to play in the contest.
The Wydad coach addressed the recent departure of South African attacker Thembinkosi Lorch to the Libyan league, explaining that the decision was taken in response to the player’s desire to seek a new challenge.
Benhachem emphasised that the club’s management handled the situation with calmness and wisdom, prioritising the stability and harmony of the squad while respecting the player’s wishes.
He further noted that the recruitment of Bolivian forward Moses Paniaca offered an appropriate solution, allowing the club to accommodate Lorch’s request without disrupting the team’s technical balance. According to Benhachem, the move ensured continuity within the group while maintaining competitiveness on the pitch.
Benhachem also underlined the importance of the fans’ backing in the upcoming match, stressing that Maniema may struggle to cope with the intense atmosphere at the Mohammed V Complex in Casablanca. He expressed confidence that the pressure generated by Wydad’s supporters could prove decisive and play a major role in swinging the match in his team’s favour.
Turning to Hakim Ziyech, the Wydad coach highlighted the significant technical value the player brings to the side. He revealed that the technical staff have worked deliberately to adapt the team’s playing style to suit Ziyech’s strengths, with the aim of maximising his impact within Wydad’s collective system.
On concerns about Wydad’s relative lack of match activity compared to their opponents, Benhachem downplayed the issue, arguing that the number of games played is not always a determining factor.
He pointed instead to the accumulated experience of Wydad’s players, which he believes can compensate for any gap in competitive rhythm, particularly in continental competitions.
