Moroccan women’s football has “a bright and promising future ahead of it,” assured the new coach of the Moroccan women’s national team, Spaniard Jorge Vilda Rodriguez, on Sunday in Sale.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and to continue the work accomplished by my predecessor Reynald Pedros and his staff with the Moroccan women’s national team since 2021,” which culminated in a qualification for the Round of 16 at the last World Cup, he said at a press conference held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex to present the new coach of the Atlas Lionesses.
“It’s a challenge we’re delighted to take up with great enthusiasm and commitment,” he continued, expressing his ambition to build a strong, competitive national team.
“The sports facilities in Morocco, notably the Mohammed VI Football Complex, are world-class,” he emphasized, noting his desire to implement a playing philosophy that would suit the Atlas Lionesses.
“I’ve always admired the talent and passion of Moroccan footballers,” he added, noting that “being part of the FRMF project is a responsibility I’ve accepted with great humility.”
According to him, the players on the national team represent not only their country, but “all the women who struggle to achieve their dreams.”
Referring to his career in Spain, he said he had spent some unforgettable moments with the Spanish women’s team, which won the last FIFA World Cup, jointly organized by Australia and New Zealand.
For his part, FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa affirmed that the former Moroccan women’s national team staff had done a good job, culminating in qualification for the Round of 16 at the last World Cup.
After noting that the ambition of Morocco, HM King Mohammed VI, and all Moroccans is to play decisive roles in world competitions, particularly the World Cup, he said that national football was on a fine dynamic.
“Qualifying for a World Cup and reaching the Round of 16 is now a thing of the past. Today, national teams such as the futsal team are in the running for a world title,” he continued.
“Our ambition is realistic, simple, and clear: to move forward and do better,” he remarked, pointing out that the next milestones for the Atlas Lionesses will be the next Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Morocco in 2024, and the World Cup in 2027.
