Oman Football Association Announces New Head Coach
On March 22, 2026, the Oman Football Association made a significant announcement regarding the leadership of its national football team. The association has officially appointed Moroccan coach Tarik Skitioui to take charge of the national squad for the upcoming season. This decision comes as the team aims to build on its recent successes and enhance its competitive edge in international tournaments.
Who is Tarik Skitioui?
Tarik Skitioui is a distinguished Moroccan footballer and coach, holding Dutch nationality. He possesses a UEFA coaching diploma and began his professional playing career in 1995 with the youth team of FC Maghreb de Fès. His remarkable talent quickly earned him a spot on the first team, and he was named the Best Player in the African Youth Championship in 1997. Throughout his playing career, Skitioui showcased his skills in various countries, including the UAE, Portugal, the Netherlands, and France, ultimately concluding his professional journey in Morocco, where he led Maghreb de Fès to victory in the CAF Confederation Cup during the 2010-2011 season. He also represented the Moroccan national team in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 and 2008.
After retiring from professional football in 2011, Skitioui transitioned into coaching, starting with his former club, Maghreb de Fès. He later took the helm of several national clubs, including Wydad de Fès, Moghreb Tétouan, and RS Berkane, where he secured another CAF Confederation Cup title in 2020. On the international stage, Skitioui led the Moroccan U-23 Olympic team to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and celebrated victory with the local team in the Africa Cup 2024, in addition to winning the Arab Cup in 2025.
Skitioui was a strong contender to succeed Walid Regragui as head coach of the Moroccan national team but ultimately took the opportunity to coach the Oman national team, where he is expected to bring his vast experience and successful track record.
As reported by atheer.om.
