Morocco must become a land for women’s football
At the head of the national women’s football team for more than a year, Reynald Pedros returned to his Moroccan adventure, reviewing the objectives to be achieved, in particular a qualification for the 2023 World Cup. the former coach of Olympique Lyonnais calls on Morocco to become a land for women’s football.
Reynald Pedros, 50, has big ambitions since he agreed to take charge of the Moroccan selection in December 2020. The Frenchman is already preparing his Lionesses for CAN 2022.
Indeed, on Tuesday, the Atlas Lionesses took over Ghana 2-0 in a friendly match played at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. A victory that adds to that against Gambia, with the crushing score of 6-0.
As a reminder, Morocco is participating in the third AFCON in its history, after two eliminations in the first round in 1998 and then in 2000.
Well established at the head of the women’s team, Reynald talks about his choice of Morocco, his objectives and his vision of women’s football in the Kingdom, in an interview with NEWS.
“Morocco is a place that is quite pleasant to work. There are many people who support women’s football. Sometimes there are little moments that are more complicated than others, but overall we are very satisfied with the work undertaken with the players, the federation, the league, the clubs.”he said, before justifying his choice to coach the Atlas Lionesses.
“I had contact with a French agent who told me about the opportunity to come to Morocco to discuss the women’s football project. I came for three days. I saw the installations and I spoke with President Fouzi Lekjaa. On the sports project, it was obviously very tempting but after that there are other things that come into play in my decision (…) The overall aspect of the project, when it was presented to me, was promising, interesting , ambitious. And that’s exactly what touched me. From the moment I feel good about it, I go there »he explained.
For Pedros, the first objective to achieve is to qualify for the World Cup, “which implies being semi-finalists”.
“It will be unheard of. So it has to be done. Afterwards, if we are semi-finalists, we can do anything and believe that we can win the CAN. The objective is to perpetuate women’s football. If we manage to have the Moroccan team regularly at the CAN and the World Cup, I think it will be a success. And women’s football will be watched a lot more.”he points out.
It is also for him to organize the African Cup of Nations at home, to pass a level, both on the ground and in terms of the environment and popularity.
“Today, Morocco is a land of football, that’s for sure. It has long been a football ground for men’s football, it must become so for women’s football. And I’m sure and certain that if there is enthusiasm, people will take an interest and come and encourage “he continues, before adding:
“The recognition of the people and the public is important because the players are very attached to their country. And having the opening of the tournament with thousands of supporters would be exceptional. Now, I repeat, to attract people, you have to be attractive, you have to win”, affirms the trainer, who intends to raise his Lionesses to the first rank.
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