OFFICIAL: Raja Casablanca appoint Abdelkarim Jinani as head coach on one-season contract

Raja Club Athletic have officially appointed Moroccan coach Abdelkarim Jinani as head coach of their first team on a one-season contract, following an impressive start to his interim spell.

The Casablanca-based club confirmed the appointment on Thursday, November 12, announcing that Jinani had signed a deal that includes an option to extend for another year.

His appointment brings an end to the uncertainty surrounding Raja’s technical bench following the departure of Spanish coach Paco Jemez earlier this month.

Jinani took temporary charge after Raja parted ways with Jemez on November 2, a day after their 2-0 defeat by RS Berkane.

Two consecutive victories convince Raja

The Moroccan coach has made an immediate impact since taking responsibility for the first team, guiding the Green Eagles to two successive victories.

His first assignment ended in a 2-1 win over AS FAR at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on November 4.

Raja followed that result with another impressive performance four days later, beating Ittihad Tangier 2-0 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The back-to-back victories earned the club six points and lifted them to third place in the Botola Pro standings.

Jinani’s performances during this period appear to have strengthened the club’s confidence in his ability to lead the team on a permanent basis.

Jinani’s previous experience at Raja

The Moroccan coach is already familiar with the club, having initially joined Raja on October 30 as Jemez’s assistant before being promoted to oversee the first team.

He also previously worked as an assistant coach at the Casablanca outfit during the 2024-2025 campaign.

His appointment comes after a difficult period for Raja’s technical department. Jemez was appointed in September but lasted just five official matches before the club ended their collaboration.

New challenge for the Moroccan coach

With his appointment now confirmed, Jinani faces the challenge of maintaining Raja’s improved form and delivering greater consistency throughout the season.

The new agreement gives him an opportunity to establish his own technical project at one of Morocco’s most prominent clubs as the Green Eagles seek domestic honours and aim to meet the expectations of their supporters.