The Kawkab Marrakech football club faced a disappointing defeat against Al-Masry from Port Said, losing by three goals to nil in their first friendly match held on Friday evening at the Marrakech stadium annex. This match marked the conclusion of their initial training camp as they prepare for the upcoming football season, after which they will head to Tangier for the next phase of their preparations.
This game served as a crucial test for the team, aimed at assessing player readiness and evaluating the overall group dynamics before finalizing the roster and establishing the preliminary structure of the squad that will compete in the league and the King's Cup. Although the outcome of friendly matches does not always reflect a team's true capabilities, the clean sheet defeat raised concerns among fans about the significant changes within the team. Al-Masry had previously suffered a defeat in a friendly against Nahdat Zemamra, losing 3-2.
The loss has reignited discussions regarding the competence of head coach Youssef Safri and his technical staff in leading the team through this critical phase, as well as the effectiveness of the strategies employed during the transfer period, especially after parting ways with several key players who formed the backbone of the team in previous seasons.
The upcoming second training camp in Tangier is expected to be pivotal for Kawkab Marrakech, as the coaching staff will have additional time to rectify mistakes, finalize tactical decisions, and outline the core lineup for the official competitions. Furthermore, the anticipated arrival of new signings, including a Senegalese defender expected to be signed in the coming days, will be a significant factor in assessing the team's final shape. However, early indicators from the Marrakech camp suggest that coach Safri and his team must work diligently to enhance readiness and rebuild confidence before they face the real pressure of the league and the King's Cup.
As reported by almarrakchia.net.
