Morocco champions Maghreb Fes strengthen squad with seven new signings

Moroccan champions Maghreb Fes have added seven new players to their squad as they prepare to defend their league title and return to continental football in the 2026-27 season.

The Fes-based club have brought in Youssef Hafidi, Christopher Ibaye, Chigovatsu Mabasa, Samba Mbengue, Abdellah Khafifi, Amine El Farsi and striker Devin Titus.

The recruitment drive is part of the club’s preparations for a demanding campaign that will see them compete on both domestic and African fronts.

Rui Almeida begins new era

The squad changes follow the appointment of Portuguese coach Rui Almeida in July.

Almeida has signed a one-season contract as part of a wider restructuring of the club’s sporting department following the departure of sporting director Badr El Kadouri.

Maghreb Fes have also reorganised their sporting administration as they seek to improve governance, supervision and the overall management of the team.

The changes come after a historic 2025-26 campaign in which the club won the Moroccan league title and returned to the top of the country’s football.

New signings join Agadir camp

The seven new arrivals are currently being integrated into the squad during a closed training camp in Agadir, which runs from 10 to 24 August.

The camp is being used to improve the team’s physical and technical condition while allowing Almeida to work on building understanding between the new players and members of last season’s championship-winning squad.

With domestic and continental commitments ahead, squad depth will be particularly important for the Portuguese coach.

Champions League provides early test

Maghreb Fes will begin their African campaign in the CAF Champions League, where they are scheduled to face FC Rahimo in the first preliminary round.

The tie will offer an early examination of Almeida’s new-look squad and its ability to compete outside Morocco.

The addition of seven players is intended to give the champions greater options as they balance their title defence with the demands of continental competition.

Champions face new expectations

Winning the 2025-26 league title has raised expectations around Maghreb Fes, who now want to establish themselves as a regular force at the top of Moroccan football.

The combination of new players, a new coach and changes to the sporting structure signals the club’s determination to build on last season’s success.

For Almeida and his players, the immediate challenge is to turn that investment into results and ensure Maghreb Fes remain competitive in Morocco while making an impact in Africa.