Morocco outline long-term vision for Mohamed Ouahbi’s Atlas Lions

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has set out a clear roadmap for sustained success following the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach of the Atlas Lions, with continuity and long-term development at the core of its strategy.

Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, National Technical Director Fathi Jamal detailed how the federation intends to build on structural reforms introduced in recent years while integrating the new technical leadership.

Jamal stressed that Moroccan football has been undergoing a significant transformation since 2022, guided by a framework centred on development, performance, and innovation. The objective, he explained, is to establish a seamless system that nurtures players from grassroots level through to the senior national team.

Within that framework, Ouahbi assumes a role that extends beyond matchday preparation. He will work in close coordination with the federation’s technical and performance departments, ensuring a unified approach across all levels of the national setup.

A key part of his mandate involves tracking Moroccan players worldwide, particularly those competing in Europe, through consistent engagement with club coaches and medical staff.

This integrated monitoring system is designed to provide up-to-date insights on player fitness, form, and availability, enabling more informed selection decisions.

It also aims to strengthen the pathway between youth teams and the senior side, ensuring that emerging talents transition smoothly into the Atlas Lions environment.

Jamal further highlighted the federation’s broader development agenda, which places the player at the centre of its planning. A nationwide youth programme, implemented in partnership with EVO Sport and aligned with FIFA standards, forms a key pillar of this vision.

Advances in technology are also playing an increasingly prominent role. Dedicated units for video analysis and data tracking have been introduced to support technical decision-making and enhance performance monitoring across all national teams.

In addition, the federation is prioritising the strengthening of domestic youth competitions, recognising the need for consistent high-level match exposure to accelerate player development.

Ultimately, the ambition is twofold: to maintain Morocco’s competitiveness on the international stage while establishing the country as a global benchmark in football development.