EDITOR NOTE: This is a translation of the original article written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.
A wind of change is blowing over AS FAR. The club from the Moroccan capital has formalized the separation with its French coach, Hubert Velud, and entrusted the interim duties assistant Jamal Benouahi.
Behind this decision, the military club's administration did not wait to prepare for the future: South African tactician Fadlu Davids, current coach of Simba SC in Tanzania, is now in pole position to take over the reins of the team.
Velud, a contrasting journey despite the African qualification
Arriving at the head of AS FAR at the start of the season, Velud led 21 matches in all competitions recording a record of 9 wins, 9 draws and 3 defeats. In Morocco's top flight Botola Pro, the team is currently in third place in the with 34 points, three points behind Renaissance Zemamra and twelve points behind leaders RS Berkane.
Despite a mixed national campaign, the French technician shone on the continental scene. Under his leadership, AS FAR dominated its group in the CAF Champions League, securing a deserved qualification for the quarter-finals. However, a surprise defeat and early elimination from the Excellence Cup last weekend was a black spot on his record with a defeat to Botola 2 club Olympique Dcheira (1-0).
These results, coupled with a game considered unconvincing and a lack of consistency in performances, pushed the club's management to turn the page.
Fadlu Davids to AS FAR?
If the separation with Velud was expected, the management of AS FAR did not leave room for improvisation. Even before the official announcement of his departure, an invitation had already been sent to Fadlu Davids to go to Rabat and begin discussions with military leaders.
The 42-year-old South African technician has built a solid reputation on the continent. Former coach of Maritzburg United and former assistant to Josef Zinnbauer at Raja Casablanca last season, he was able to establish himself in Tanzania with Simba SC where he is enjoying a strong campaign even if Simba dropped points to fall to second place in the nation's top flight Ligi Kuu Bara on Thursday.
According to several sources close to the matter, negotiations between AS FAR and Davids have progressed well and an official announcement could be made in the coming hours.
A crucial turning point for AS FAR
With a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and a still favorable position in the championship, AS FAR does not want to waste time. The imminent arrival of the new Coach, if confirmed, would mark a new milestone in the club's quest to regain its former glory and aim for trophies on a national and continental scale.
The next coach will have a major challenge: stabilize the team, optimize its performance and allow AS FAR to fight on all fronts.
The next few hours promise to be decisive for the military club, as supporters impatiently await the formalization of the new commander at the head of their team.
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