Kawkab Marrakech president Idriss Hanifa targets silverware

Kawkab Marrakech president Idriss Hanifa has reaffirmed the club’s ambition to challenge for titles this season, insisting that the Moroccan outfit are working towards restoring their former status through a comprehensive sporting, administrative and financial rebuilding project.

Hanifa says the immediate objective is to establish Kawkab among the leading teams in Moroccan football while laying strong foundations for long-term success.

The club have enjoyed an encouraging campaign, with their recent victory over Wydad Athletic Club at El Harti Stadium providing a significant boost to their confidence and strengthening their position among the league’s leading sides.

Speaking in an interview with Mal’ab Hespress, Hanifa highlighted the importance of the victory, while praising the supporters for their tremendous backing throughout the encounter.

He also expressed satisfaction with the return of El Harti Stadium as a venue capable of accommodating large crowds, explaining that its reopening followed extensive coordination between the club, local authorities, security officials, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and the city council.

According to the Kawkab president, the process was implemented gradually because of the logistical and security challenges associated with the stadium’s location in the centre of Marrakech.

Safri enjoys presidential backing

Hanifa also addressed the club’s technical direction, throwing his full support behind head coach Youssef Safri amid speculation linking the Moroccan tactician with a possible move to Raja Casablanca.

He explained that Safri’s appointment was based on his coaching experience, technical qualifications and personal qualities, stressing that he takes full responsibility for decisions involving the recruitment of coaches and players.

The Kawkab president dismissed suggestions that Safri could leave for Raja, pointing out that the coach remains under contract with the Marrakech-based club.

On the transfer front, Hanifa revealed that the management are working to recruit players who can make an immediate impact while ensuring adequate competition across all positions.

He stressed the importance of building a balanced squad with sufficient depth rather than bringing in players without a clear sporting purpose.

Hanifa also provided details surrounding the recruitment of Saber Bougrine, explaining that the club monitored his situation before establishing that he was available as a free agent. The management subsequently consulted the relevant authorities to ensure the transfer complied with the necessary regulations.

12-hectare training centre planned

Beyond the first team, Kawkab Marrakech are pursuing significant infrastructure projects as part of their long-term development strategy.

Hanifa disclosed that the club had secured approximately 12 hectares of land along the Tahnaout road for the construction of a modern training centre.

The project, which will be developed in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and other stakeholders, is expected to enter the construction phase in March.

He described the facility as a major investment in the club’s future, with the ambition of developing young talents capable of progressing into the senior team and strengthening Kawkab’s sporting identity.

The president also revealed that training conditions have improved following the renovation of Larbi Ben Barek Stadium, with support from the Moroccan football federation.

In another initiative aimed at preserving the club’s identity, Kawkab are planning to establish a museum dedicated to their history. The facility will showcase photographs, historical documents and memorabilia documenting the club’s achievements and important moments.

Plans are also underway to open official merchandise outlets at strategic locations across Marrakech, with the aim of strengthening the club’s commercial identity and connecting its sporting heritage with the city’s tourism industry.

Kawkab clear accumulated debts as budget approaches $4 million

On the financial front, Hanifa revealed that his administration had made significant progress in addressing longstanding financial difficulties and administrative challenges.

He explained that several departments had been reorganised, while a number of outstanding financial disputes and accumulated debts had been settled through cooperation with public authorities, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and elected officials.

The club have also succeeded in lifting several legal attachments that previously restricted their operations.

Hanifa disclosed that Kawkab’s budget for the current season is approaching 400 million Moroccan dirhams?

Financial clarification: The reported figure is four billion centimes, equivalent to 40 million Moroccan dirhams, or approximately $4 million.

He insisted that the administration remains committed to meeting its financial obligations to players and technical staff while ensuring that spending remains aligned with the club’s revenue generation.

According to figures presented by the management, ticket sales have already generated approximately 12 million Moroccan dirhams, representing an important source of income for the club.

Kawkab are also exploring additional revenue opportunities through advertising agreements, commercial partnerships and official merchandise sales.

Hanifa believes that returning to the Grand Stadium of Marrakech could further improve the club’s financial position by allowing them to attract larger crowds and generate increased matchday revenue.

He also revealed that opening the capital of the club’s sports company to new investors remains part of the long-term strategy, provided the necessary legal and financial safeguards are established.

Hanifa prepares for presidential exit

Meanwhile, Hanifa has indicated that the current campaign will be the final year of his commitment to the project, revealing his intention to step aside once the initiatives launched under his leadership have been completed.

The Kawkab president wants to leave behind a well-organised institution with solid sporting, administrative and financial structures that will allow his successor to continue the rebuilding process.

He acknowledged that his health had recently been a concern following a surgical procedure but insisted that he remains determined to complete the projects currently underway.

Hanifa also called for younger personalities to emerge and assume leadership responsibilities within the club, stressing that Kawkab Marrakech must always remain bigger than individual interests.

He urged supporters and stakeholders to put aside internal disagreements that could undermine the administration’s efforts, while emphasising that the club remains open to anyone willing to contribute to its development.

In his message to the supporters, Hanifa assured them that the administration remains committed to meeting their expectations and will continue working towards restoring Kawkab Marrakech to the position its history and passionate fan base deserve.