Morocco: Raja coach Paco Jemez rejects Morocco U23 friendly ahead of Zemamra clash

Raja Casablanca coach Paco Jemez has rejected a proposal for his side to play a friendly against Morocco’s Under-23 team, with the Spanish coach prioritising player fitness ahead of an important league fixture.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) approached Raja with the proposal after the planned friendly between Morocco’s U23 side and Equatorial Guinea was cancelled.

However, Raja’s management declined the request following the recommendation of Jemez, who preferred to maintain the club’s existing training programme rather than arrange a preparatory match.

Jemez keen to avoid injuries

The Spanish coach was concerned that playing a friendly at this stage could expose his players to injuries, particularly with Raja preparing to face Renaissance Zemamra next Saturday.

Jemez is focused on keeping his squad fit and maintaining their readiness for the upcoming league fixture, while avoiding any injuries that could reduce his options.

The decision means Raja will continue with their scheduled training programme instead of taking part in a friendly against the Morocco U23 side.

Morocco U23s continue preparations

The proposed match would have provided Morocco’s Olympic team with additional preparation ahead of their upcoming commitments.

The U23 side is preparing for two matches against Ethiopia in November, which will form part of the first round of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations at Under-23 level.

Raja’s decision therefore leaves the national youth team to continue its preparations without the planned fixture against the Casablanca club.

Raja step up preparations for Zemamra

Raja have also had their opening league schedule affected after their match against Royal Army was postponed.

The fixture was called off because four Royal Army players were away on international duty during the international break.

Following the postponement, Jemez and his technical staff increased the intensity of training before the players were given a three-day break to rest.

The squad returned to training on Monday and has now begun preparations for next Saturday’s meeting with Renaissance Zemamra, with Jemez opting to protect his players rather than risk them in a friendly during the current period.