Samba Diawara in discussions with Morocco over possible coaching position

Morocco have opened discussions with Stade de Reims assistant coach Samba Diawara over a possible role within Mohamed Ouahbi’s coaching staff.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reportedly started talks with the Franco-Malian coach, according to Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri. No agreement has been reached, however, and Diawara remains in his role at Reims for now.

The 48-year-old is understood to be on the federation’s shortlist as it considers additions to Ouahbi’s coaching team. Diawara currently works as an assistant to Nicolas Usaï at Reims, having previously held the same position under Karel Geraerts last season.

His possible move to Morocco would add another experienced figure to a coaching structure that already includes João Sacramento as first assistant.

Diawara was born in Paris and represented Mali 14 times during his playing career. Despite his French birthplace, he went on to play internationally for Mali and later moved into coaching after ending his career as a defender.

He began his coaching work with roles at Charleroi and Anderlecht, where he was involved mainly as an assistant coach and with youth teams. He joined Reims in November 2022 and gradually took on greater responsibility at the French club.

Diawara also had several spells as an interim coach before being appointed Reims head coach in February 2025. During a difficult period for the club, he guided the side to the Coupe de France final, where they were beaten by Paris St-Germain.

The arrival of Geraerts subsequently saw Diawara return to an assistant coaching position.

His experience working with young players and at senior level, along with his knowledge of Francophone football, are understood to be among the factors that have attracted the FRMF’s attention.

However, his eventual position within Moroccan football has not yet been decided.

One possibility is for Diawara to join Ouahbi directly with the senior national team, while another is for him to take up a role with Morocco’s Under-23 side.

The situation follows earlier uncertainty over the appointment of Ouahbi’s second deputy. Adil Ramzi and Youssouf Hadji had been considered for the position, before Hadji was eventually appointed.

Some reports have also suggested that Diawara could become an assistant coach within the national team setup. The FRMF, however, has yet to make an official announcement, with discussions still ongoing.

If an agreement is reached, Diawara would bring experience from both youth development and senior football to Morocco’s coaching structure. His previous international career with Mali could also add an African perspective to the staff.

For now, the main question is whether the FRMF will place Diawara alongside Ouahbi with the senior national team or give him a role with the Espoirs.