Editor Note: This article is translated from the original written in French by Pan-Africa Football's Omar Chraibi
In the midst of turmoil, Raja Club Athletic continues its preparations for the crucial Group B match against South African Mamelodi Sundowns, scheduled for this Saturday for the fourth matchday of the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
A preparation away from the tumult
Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Raja management opted for a training camp at Ben Slimane, far from the usual places like the club's Academy in Bouskoura. This decision aims to allow the players to concentrate fully on the upcoming match far from external pressures.
The last training session before the match will take place in a tourist resort in the region, thus offering the Greens a more serene setting.
A club shaken by internal turbulence
Raja is going through a delicate period, both on a sporting and administrative level. If the situation of the team is worrying due to the absence of a head coach since the departure of coach Ricardo Sa Pinto, the crisis is also present within the management office.
The Raja Board of Directors has announced the organization of a meeting with the club's former presidents, office bearers and affiliates which will be held on Fridayon the eve of the much-awaited match against Mamelodi Sundowns. This meeting takes place in a particular context after the decision of the directorate to reverse its decision to resign, an announcement which was expected for the previous Monday.
This meeting should make it possible to clarify the current situation of the club and open a dialogue on the future of Raja in a climate of tension and administrative uncertainty. Despite this internal instability, Raja will face Mamelodi Sundowns in a crucial match for Champions League qualification adding even more pressure on the club's management.
Hafid Abdessadek in the role of Assistant Coach!
In the absence of the head coach, Hafid Abdessadek will occupy the role of “assistant coach” for this meeting. However, a major difficulty persists: he does not hold the “CAF Pro” diploma which prevents him from leading the team officially.
Thus, he will indeed be on the sidelines alongside the players, but in a secondary role, while waiting for Raja to resolve this situation. Raja management seemed ready to reach an agreement with Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi after the latter traveled to Casablanca to discuss a possible contract.
However, despite promising initial discussions, the negotiations suddenly came to a standstill leaving the future of the club and the succession of the previous coach unclear.
Group B Table
Games Played | Points | |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 1 |
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