Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan football federation (FRMF), is throwing his relentless support on the national U17 team as they prepare for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicking off today in Morocco.
Addressing the Atlas Cubs, Lekjaa was blunt: “You must deliver a performance that lives up to the proud legacy of Moroccan football,” he told the players. The pressure is now firmly on them to live up to the hype surrounding them and prove their true mettle on the African stage.
Lekjaa, whose vision has transformed Moroccan football in the recent decade, also stressed the need for unity and cohesion if the team is to succeed. “It’s not just about individual flair. Greatness comes from teamwork and communication,” he said.
The FRMF president also reminded the players that this competition is more than just a cup – it’s a defining moment in their development. “It’s not just about winning. It’s about adopting a winning mentality. This AFCON is the perfect stage for that,” he said.
The U17 AFCON kicks off today as Morocco faces Uganda at 10 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT) at Al Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.
The tournament is up for grabs in front of a home crowd, and would stand as a springboard for the Atlas Cubs to show their quality in the hopes for senior squad call-up in the upcoming international competitions.
