Azam FC reboots technical bench with Moroccan coaching quartet
DAR ES SALAAM: AZAM FC have made a significant move to revamp their technical staff by appointing renowned Moroccan coach Rachid Taoussi as the new head coach.
Taoussi, along with his team of Moroccan assistants—Ouajou Driss (Assistant Coach), Badr Eddine (Fitness Trainer) and Rachid El Mekkaoui (Goalkeeping Coach)—has signed a one-year contract with the Azam.
Rachid Taoussi, born on February 18, 1958, in Taza, Morocco, is a well-respected figure in football with a storied career both as a player and a coach.
As a midfielder, Taoussi had a notable playing career, featuring for prominent Moroccan clubs like Wydad Casablanca. His coaching career is equally impressive, having managed several top Moroccan teams and national squads.
From 1995 to 2000, Taoussi served as the Assistant Coach for the Moroccan national team and also guided Morocco’s Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 teams.
At the club level, he has led teams such as FAR Rabat, Raja Casablanca, RS Berkane and CR Belouizdad, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed across various teams and environments.
Taoussi’s most notable achievements include winning the Coup du Trone and the CAF Confederation Cup with MAS Fez in 2011, as well as the CAF Super Cup in 2012.
Additionally, his success with the Moroccan Under-20 team in 1997, winning the African Youth Championship, underscores his expertise and impact on the game.
The appointment of Taoussi and his team comes after Azam FC’s recent exit from the CAF Champions League. The club is now focusing its efforts on domestic competitions; with a clear goal of securing a top-two finish in the Mainland Premier League to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Hasheem Ibwe, Azam FC’s Media and Communication Manager, emphasised the club’s renewed focus.
“We narrowly missed advancing to the second preliminary round of the Champions League, but this setback is not the end. We are determined to perform well in the league this season and come back stronger for the next Champions League campaign,” Ibwe stated.
Abdallah Kibadeni, a reputable football coach, commented on the potential impact of the new coaching staff.
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“Football is unpredictable. Sometimes, a team quickly adapts to a new coach’s philosophy and performs well, while in other cases, it can go the other way. It will be interesting to see how Azam FC adjusts to Taoussi’s approach,” Kibadeni observed.
With Taoussi at the helm, Azam FC is poised for a transformative period, aiming to leverage his extensive experience and tactical acumen to achieve their domestic and continental ambitions.
