Fes' Impressive Journey in Professional Football
Fes has concluded the first half of the professional football league season with a remarkable tally of 31 points, temporarily sitting at the top of the league standings. This position remains contingent upon the outcome of the upcoming match between the Royal Army and Renaissance Berkane, which will ultimately determine the first-half champion. Regardless of the final outcome, Fes is assured of at least second place—an achievement that exceeds early-season expectations. The first half of the season can be characterized as a triumphant journey across various fronts: managerial, technical, fan engagement, and marketing. Notably, the goal scored by player Jabali against Wydad generated buzz and publicity for the league, propelling it into discussions across global media platforms and rekindling fan trust in the team, marking a significant success.
Strategic Management and Professionalism
Effective management is crucial for the success of any project, and this principle holds true for Fes' football management strategy. The recruitment of sporting director Badr Qadouri, who possesses an in-depth understanding of the league's dynamics and a clear vision for the team's sporting policy, has been instrumental. Qadouri's decision to hire Spanish coach Pablo Franco Martin, eager to establish himself in the league, aligns with the goal of securing a top-five finish in the current season while remaining open to achieving even greater success if circumstances allow.
The challenges of player recruitment cannot be overstated, especially for a team like Fes, which saw many players leave at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season due to contract expirations or unilateral terminations. This left Qadouri and Martin with the daunting task of rebuilding the team from scratch. They successfully signed 14 new players while renewing contracts for three key players: Salah Eddine Shihab, Ashraf Harmaach, and Saad Ait Lakharsa. The summer signings included several who were new to the Moroccan league, with some proving their worth while others, such as Mauritanian player Issa Mubarak, who was loaned out, did not succeed.
Fes achieved commendable results during the first half of the season, winning eight matches—including three away games—and drawing seven, scoring 22 goals while conceding only eight. They celebrated historic victories, including a record win over Wydad and a significant start to the season against Nahda Zemamra. Despite these successes, lapses in focus during matches against Kawkab Marrakech and Ittihad Tangier resulted in missed points that could have further solidified their standing.
The fans have consistently been a source of unwavering support, generating nearly 40 million dirhams in revenue from home matches in Fes. The atmosphere during games has significantly improved, with attendance surpassing previous seasons. The passionate support from the fans has not gone unnoticed by the team’s management, who are committed to maintaining this momentum as they vie for the championship title.
As the second half of the season approaches, it is evident that Fes is being viewed as a strong contender for the title, prompting rival teams to prepare intensively to challenge this unbeaten squad. Meanwhile, the management and coaching staff aim to keep pressure levels manageable for the players, focusing on securing an African qualification spot this season while keeping championship aspirations in mind for future competitions.
Under the leadership of Omar Beniss, who combines managerial acumen with a deep emotional connection to the club, Fes is navigating the complexities of football management. He has implemented strict measures to maintain discipline within the team, restricting media interactions to minimize distractions. Beniss's approach emphasizes stability and the team’s cohesion, prioritizing the club’s interests above all else as they aim to restore their former glory. With a commitment to professionalism and a shared passion for the club, Fes is poised for an exciting second half of the season.
As reported by inews.ma.
