Ouahbi promises humility and patriotism after appointment as Morocco head coach

Mohamed Ouahbi has been officially unveiled as the new head coach of Morocco’s national team, taking over from Walid Regragui.

The announcement was made by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, during a ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on Thursday.

Opening his address, Ouahbi expressed appreciation to Morocco’s monarch and the federation leadership for the confidence placed in him.

“My deepest thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his support of Moroccan football and for allowing us today to dream big,” he said.

He also thanked Lekjaa for the trust given to him as he steps into the role.

The newly appointed coach emphasised that his leadership will be guided by dedication and national pride. Ouahbi pledged to “work with seriousness, humility, determination, and above all patriotism,” while describing the current squad as a youthful group with significant room for development.

He added that the team carries no sense of inferiority and has the ability to make the Moroccan people proud on the international stage.

Ouahbi also made it clear that team selection under his leadership will be based purely on merit.

“I will make no distinction between a 19-year-old player and a 34-year-old one. Performance will decide.”

In a touching moment during the ceremony, the new coach paid tribute to his predecessor and acknowledged the foundation left behind.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Walid Regragui – for the legacy you left us, for the solid, progressing team you built, and for your closeness to younger national coaches when you were not obliged to be.”

Before the official introduction of Ouahbi, Regragui himself reflected on the team’s journey and the need for renewal as Morocco prepares for the next FIFA World Cup. He admitted that the national side requires “a new breath” heading into the global tournament.

Regragui also spoke about his deep personal connection to the national team, explaining that his relationship with Moroccan football goes far beyond his tenure as head coach. He recalled a lifelong association with the team, first as a passionate supporter, then as a player, later as an assistant coach, and eventually as the man in charge of the national side.

“The attachment that ties me to this team is not new,” he said, adding that he has experienced “extraordinary and intense” moments with Morocco throughout the years.