Sport in general and football in particular play a pioneering role in promoting the Kingdom of Morocco and bringing people together, Morocco’s Ambassador to South Africa, Youssef Amrani, said on Saturday.
The Raja de Casablanca team, which will play Sunday in Johannesburg against Orlando Pirates in the quarter-finals of the African Football Confederation Cup (CAF), has always honored Moroccan football and achieved great performances at the continental level , said Amrani during a meeting in Johannesburg with the technical staff and players of the team.
Referring to the glorious history of the Greens since the era of Father Jégo, which has left an indelible mark on the game and the identity of the Raja team and all of Moroccan football, the ambassador welcomed the Arab and African extension of the team led by Tunisian coach Lassaad Chabbi.
“Just like diplomacy, football plays an essential role in the influence of the image of the Kingdom, as evidenced by the presence of Raja in South Africa”, he continued.
Mr. Amrani also noted that the Raja team has made its way to glory in the continent, thanks to the quality of its game and its players who have always shown self-sacrifice, dedication and serious, especially in African competitions.
He also underlined that football is very popular in South Africa and that mutual respect and fair play are always a factor in bringing people together.
In this regard, the ambassador mentioned the project of a cooperation agreement between the Greens and the South African team of Orlando Pirates, which has also marked the history of South African football.
Raja coach Lassaad Chabbi told MAP on Friday that the Greens are determined to bring back the victory of South Africa, ensuring that his protégés will do everything to win the match and thus advance to the semi-final of this African competition.
The first leg between the two teams will be held on Sunday in Johannesburg, while the return leg is scheduled for Sunday 23 May in Casablanca.
