Musonda recollects his interactions with Mohamed Ouahbi in Belgium – Bolanews

Charles Musonda, former Chipolopolo midfielder has mirrored on his early encounters with Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, revealing that the Belgian-born tactician had all the time envisioned himself teaching the Atlas Lions on the highest degree.

Ouahbi changed Walid Regragui, who stepped down following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last defeat to Senegal.

The previous Anderlecht academy coach has loved a fast rise, having guided Morocco to the FIFA Beneath-20 World Cup title earlier this yr earlier than taking cost of the senior nationwide group.

His reign has began positively on the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Morocco drawing 1-1 towards Brazil earlier than defeating Scotland 1-0. The Atlas Lions sit second in Group C on 4 factors, degree with group leaders Brazil, who’ve a superior purpose distinction.

In a Fb put up, Musonda, who spent a lot of his taking part in profession in Belgium, shared recollections of working alongside Ouahbi on the Anderlecht academy, describing him as a coach whose ambition and dedication have been evident from the outset.

“He arrived at Anderlecht Academy decided to grow to be a high coach. I all the time referred to as him ‘The Moroccan.’ He used to hold a ebook, learning, studying, and speaking about Football. Each dialog was concerning the sport and the small particulars that make a distinction.”

“His path was clear” – Musonda.

Musonda recalled how Ouahbi was continuously in search of to enhance his information of the sport and even insisted on speaking in English throughout their discussions.

“He even insisted on talking English with me. I nonetheless keep in mind us analyzing U12 ways. His path was clear.”

Musonda mentioned their conversations typically prolonged to African soccer, together with conferences between Zambia and Morocco, earlier than Ouahbi made a daring prediction about his future.

“We may communicate concerning the Zambia-Morocco matches. He as soon as mentioned, ‘I’ll coach Morocco.’ I mentioned, “No means. ‘He’s there like he predicted.”

Musonda mentioned the success Ouahbi has achieved as a coach is on account of his exhausting work and dedication.

“You might see his ambition from the very starting. Right this moment, Mohamed Ouahbi is teaching on the highest degree. His journey reveals what ardour, information, and dedication can obtain,” he mentioned.

“Profitable the U20 World Cup with Morocco was already a exceptional achievement. Nicely carried out, Coach Mumu, because the boys used to name him on the academy. Your success makes me smile. Unbelievable, but true.”

Ouahbi and Morocco will now shift consideration to the match towards Haiti as they purpose to qualify for the Spherical of 32.

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