Morocco has been on the steady road to recovery since a devastating earthquake in late 2023 devastated the country. The North African Kingdom is now one of the most visited nation states on the continent by tourists. Morocco rivals both Egypt which is at the top of the list of the top tourism destinations in Africa and South Africa which comes at a close second. Morocco’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations this year is expected to boast its number of foreign visitors as soccer fans flock to Moroccan cities hosting the event. Meanwhile Kaizer Chiefs has made seven new acquisitions for soccer players.
Among the factors that have enabled Morocco’s growth, which Ammor pointed to in a social media post: 120 airline routes introduced in 2024, including a nonstop flight from Newark to Marrakesh on United Airlines, plus new hotels from luxury brands such as Four Seasons and Nobu all throughout the country. Ammor also cited the expansion of Royal Mansour, which in April opened a second hotel in Casablanca, as another reason the jet set has been inspired to linger longer on a Moroccan vacation—and venture beyond the culture capital of Marrakesh. The results come at the start of a year in which Morocco will be hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, 2026), an event that’s expected to draw soccer fans from around the world.
Given the Moroccan national soccer team’s historic performance at the World Cup in 2022, when it became the first on the continent to reach the semifinals, it will probably inspire plenty of domestic tourism, too. By 2030, when the country is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco projects it will be receiving 26 million tourists—exceeding the current number by yet another 50%.
Morocco is certainly revelling in its success. However, although the hosting of the African Cup of Nations and the co-hosting of the Fifa World cup are all well and good, the question of who benefits remains. Morocco’s recent successes in hosting major sports events can be attributed to it being again (arguably) the most stable country in North Africa. More or less. In political terms. That said. The tourism revenue being brought in should be invested in its people. But will it? The monarchy regime and the ruling class associated with it have been known to make acquisitions of their own. To siphon of the revenue coming in to their private coffers. The Confederation of Africa Football (CFA) cannot influence the internal policies or ethical culture of a host country. But it can enforce standards for those nations to host the AFCON.
The same needs to be done as regards by FIFA, although there is a lot grey area when it comes to ethics in the global association of international football. There is no doubt that Morocco may need the income to improve the lives of its people and to create jobs. But this needs to be the main reason for hosting the event there other than the beauty of its environment and culture.
Mean while South African Soccer club Kaizer Chiefs has welcomed seven new recruits into its fold.
Following a dismal 1-0 loss to PSL strugglers Cape Town City, the Soweto giants lie seventh on the table: fifteen points adrift from league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. AmaKhosi will have another shot at redemption when they face Stellenbosch tonight.
Kick-off: 19:30
- Kaizer Chiefs are monitoring Bafana midfielder Luke Le Roux, who has just endured a tumultuous season with Swedish side IFK Varnamo, escaping relegation via the play-offs.
- According to reports, AmaKhosi are losing patience with the misfiring Christian Saile, and are exploring options to get him off their payroll.
- Nasreddine Nabi’s side is unlikely to lure the services of strikers Fiston Mayele and Michael Olunga due to a lack of funds and having already spent large sums before the 2024/25 season commenced.
The market of raw talent remains to be entered through a narrow door of opportunity. A door of opportunity for those entering or exiting. The talent that is extracted from that market is subjected to rigorous training and gruelling practice on the soccer field due to upcoming matches.
- Kaizer Chiefs has a tough nut to crack when it comes to determining the future of Le Roux, who could be replaced depending on his behaviour. The pressure of being a big leagues soccer player can be exacting.
- Other Soccer Clubs are facing similar problems as regard their situation. Christian Saile has fallen out of favour with his club managers. Anxiety may have taken to him
- Even in soccer money is hard to come by. Fiston Mayele and Michael Olunga may have been more demanding of more money than just play for the love of sport. Or they realized they can obtain a lot more from the offer of another soccer club. Spending on Soccer players can prove expensive when it come to managing a football club.
This year will prove to be an interesting one depending on who will compete in the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA world Cup Tournaments. These sporting events are games of chance and opportunity.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
