Raja and Wydad’s friendly form raises questions before new season

Concern is growing among supporters of Raja and Wydad after both Moroccan clubs suffered narrow defeats in their latest friendly matches, leaving doubts over their readiness for the start of the new football season.

Raja were beaten 1-0 by Wydad Temara on Sunday, while Wydad lost by the same scoreline to Hassania Agadir on Saturday in a match played in Agadir.

The results have increased scrutiny of both sides, although the performances have also contributed to the unease. With official competition approaching and expectations high at two of Morocco’s biggest clubs, supporters are looking for clearer signs that their teams are developing the quality and balance required to compete.

Raja’s defeat was not the result their fans had hoped to see. They had wanted evidence of a more cohesive and well-organised squad capable of beginning the new campaign with a stronger identity and ambitions matching the club’s standing.

However, the scoreline alone is not necessarily the main concern. Friendly matches give managers the opportunity to assess players, test different tactical approaches and measure fitness before competitive fixtures begin. The wider impression produced by Raja’s recent displays, though, suggests there is still significant work to be done.

Wydad have similarly failed to provide complete reassurance. Their loss to Hassania Agadir in front of a home crowd in Agadir has prompted fresh questions about the level reached by the squad after a series of preparatory games, and whether the current group can attain the necessary sharpness in time for the new season.

The friendly nature of the matches means the results should not be treated as definitive. Managers often use this stage of preparation to rotate their squads, experiment with systems and give opportunities to as many players as possible. Supporters of both clubs nevertheless continue to examine the smaller details, searching for performances that can build confidence before the competitive schedule begins.

According to Moroccan website Albotola, the matches have also highlighted the need for Raja and Wydad to continue working on their squads. Some positions appear to require additions capable of making an immediate contribution and increasing competition within the group.

That has created a shared concern among the two sets of supporters: that weaknesses identified during pre-season could become serious problems once official matches start. The margin for error will be smaller then, and neither club will have much time to correct shortcomings.

With the transfer window nearing its close, attention is turning to the offices of Raja and Wydad. Club officials must decide whether the warning signs from the friendlies justify further recruitment or whether the existing squads will be trusted to carry the clubs through a season accompanied by major expectations.

The remaining preparation period therefore carries importance. Both teams need to address the weaknesses that have emerged, allow new players more time to settle into their respective groups and consider reinforcements in positions where cover or quality is lacking.

It would still be premature to make a final judgement on either club based only on friendly results. Competitive football brings a different intensity, while the purpose of these matches is often to test alternatives rather than field a settled team.

But the displays from Raja and Wydad cannot be ignored. Their supporters expect more than participation: they want teams capable of challenging their rivals, competing strongly for honours and returning to the trophy-winning stages.

The two clubs are now in a race against time. Coaches need space to organise their squads, but the start of official competition is drawing closer, leaving limited opportunity to repair mistakes and little room for excuses once the season begins.

Supporters can discuss the issues and news surrounding the clubs in greater depth on the Kooora forums.