Karim Bencherifa: India Can Learn from Morocco's Football Journey
Inspiration from Morocco's Football Success
File image of Former Moroccan footballer and coach Karim Bencherifa (Photo: @hafia_fc/X)
Guwahati, June 27: Karim Bencherifa, a former Moroccan football player and coach, asserts that India can draw valuable lessons from Morocco’s impressive football evolution to establish itself as a significant player in the sport.
Recently finishing his role as head coach for the Singapore women’s national team, Bencherifa noted that Morocco was not always a dominant force in global football but underwent a transformation through strategic planning and execution.
“Morocco can be a great source of inspiration. India has immense potential, but developing football requires patience and a long-term vision,” he shared in a phone interview from Singapore.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
The 58-year-old coach, who began his journey in India in 2006 with Churchill Brothers and later coached teams like Mohun Bagan, Salgaocar FC, and Pune FC, emphasized that India’s immediate focus should be on youth development, coach training, talent scouting, and enhancing domestic leagues.
“Investment in academies, improving scouting systems, creating competitive opportunities for young athletes, and bolstering grassroots football across the nation are essential,” he advised.
“Given its population, enthusiasm, and resources, India has the potential to emerge as a major football nation if these foundational elements are properly nurtured.”
Fostering Cooperation Between India and Morocco
Having gained experience across various continents, Bencherifa also called for increased football collaboration between India and Morocco.
“Both nations can greatly benefit from closer ties. Opportunities exist in areas like coach education, youth exchange programs, club partnerships, sports science, and player development,” he stated.
He highlighted that Morocco’s recent football achievements could offer valuable insights for India, while India presents a vast football market with exciting growth potential.
Lessons from Morocco's Football Revolution
Reflecting on Morocco’s football transformation, Bencherifa noted that the country’s long-term strategy gained traction around 2015, focusing on more than just enhancing the senior national team.
“I experienced this change firsthand while working with the Morocco U-23 national team from 2017 to 2019,” he recalled.
Morocco made significant investments in top-notch training facilities and medical infrastructure, while also elevating coach education to match the best UEFA standards.
Additionally, a structured scouting network was established to identify talented players from the Moroccan diaspora early on.
Cherished Memories of Coaching in India
Reflecting on his coaching experiences in India, Bencherifa expressed that the country holds a special place in his heart.
“From winning the Durand Cup and nearly clinching the I-League with Churchill Brothers to achieving a record ten-match winning streak with Mohun Bagan, I have countless fond memories,” he shared.
He reminisced about winning the I-League, two Federation Cups, the Durand Cup, two state league titles, and several runner-up finishes during his tenure in Indian football.
His experiences representing Indian clubs in the AFC Cup against formidable teams from Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Oman, Jordan, and Syria are also among his treasured memories.
“Looking back, it was an extraordinary chapter of my life, one that I cherish with great pride and affection. Perhaps one day, you might see me back on the sidelines in India,” Bencherifa concluded.