Moroccan coach Rachid Taoussi lands in Tanzania to take over Azam FC
What you need to know:
- Azam FC who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the first round by Rwanda’s APR with a 2-1 aggregate loss, have been struggling both domestically and internationally.
Dar es Salaam. Azam FC’s long-anticipated move to bring in former Raja Casablanca coach Rachid Taoussi has come to fruition after the Moroccan tactician landed in Tanzania on Saturday September 7, 2024.
Mr Taoussi, who has managed several top clubs across Africa, arrived in the country ahead of taking charge of the club, following the dismissal of Senegalese coach Youssouf Dabo who poorly started the football season.
Azam FC who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the first round by Rwanda’s APR with a 2-1 aggregate loss, have been struggling both domestically and internationally.
The team also suffered a 4-1 defeat to Yanga SC in the Community Shield final and was held to a goalless draw by JKT Tanzania in the Premier League.
The results prompted the club’s management to part ways with Mr Dabo and his assistants.
In the interim, Kassim Liogope was appointed as caretaker coach while Azam continued their search for a permanent replacement.
Reports surfaced earlier this week suggested that Taoussi was the top candidate, and sister newspaper Mwanaspoti confirmed his arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport today afternoon.
Despite the club keeping details of Taoussi’s arrival under wraps, Mwanaspoti reporter managed to spot one of the club's officials welcoming the Moroccan coach before whisking him away to Mzizima, where final contract negotiations were expected to take place.
It was anticipated that the official announcement of his appointment would be made in the evening.
Speaking briefly upon his arrival, Mr Taoussi expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
“Azam is a club with big ambitions, and I know they have talented players. I understand the competitive nature of Tanzanian football and I am here to work towards the club’s goals,” he said.
Mr Taoussi was accompanied by his technical staff, including his assistant coach, fitness coach, and goalkeeping coach, who arrived in Tanzania on Friday and were welcomed by Azam’s chief executive Abdulkarim Amin “Popat” and the club’s communications officer, Zaka Zakazi.
Born on February 6, 1959 in Morocco, Taoussi enjoyed a successful playing career as a midfielder before transitioning into coaching.
His managerial career includes stints with several national youth teams in Morocco, including the U17, U20, and U23 teams, as well as clubs like Raja Casablanca, RS Berkane, and FAR Rabat.He has also coached Algeria’s ES Sétif and Olympique Khouribga.
Among his notable achievements are five major trophies, including the 2011 Moroccan Throne Cup and CAF Confederation Cup titles with Maghreb de Fès, and the 2012 CAF Super Cup.
Additionally, he guided Morocco’s U20 national team to an African title in the 1996-97 season and won the Moroccan league title as a player with FAR Rabat in 1988-89.
Taoussi brings a wealth of experience from both club and international football in Africa, having participated in numerous CAF competitions.
His vast knowledge of African football is expected to be a major asset for Azam FC as they look to bounce back from their recent struggles.
