This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Fifa
The Wydad AC is one of the four African representatives at the FIFA ™ club World Cup
He hopes to honor Moroccan football, whose national team has reached the semi-finals of Qatar 2022
His captain Jamal Harkass and his striker Thembinkosi Lorch confided in FIFA
“I met you and you have changed all my life”, these words from singer Oum Kalthoum summarize the love that Wydad supporters have to their club. It is said that the Egyptian diva is at the origin of the name given to the club in 1937: one of the founding members would have arrived late at a meeting because he had gone to see the film Wydad, in which Oum Kalthoum began his acting career. The name of the film was then given to the club.
Since that date, Wydad has been showing Morocco, Africa and today worldwide.
The Wydad calendar before the Club World Cup
While the club will represent Morocco (semi-finalist at Qatar 2022) at the FIFA club World Cup 2025 ™, it will try to write a new glorious page in its history, as Captain Jamal Harkass said in his last interview with FIFA before the opening of the competition: “Everyone knows that it is a major event and we are proud to participate. The Wydad is best preparing to honor Morocco. »»
The history of Wydad talks about itself: three times African champion, it has arrived in the continental final twice during the last four years, and four times in the last ten seasons. Jamal Harkass does not fail to recall the influence and strength of his club.
“The Wydad is a historic club, which has won several African champions leagues and disputed the final many times in recent years,” said the captain. “We no longer count his supporters and he represented Morocco as it should be on the world scene. How not to respect this club after all this? »»
“We want to evolve at this level (that of the Club World Cup). This is why, we are aware of our responsibilities and what awaits us. When we wear the Wydad jersey, we are not afraid. I hope that we will be in this state of mind throughout the competition, to represent the club as it should. »»
But the task does not look like easy because the Club World Cup will bring together, from June 14 to July 13, the world elite of clubs. Within group G, the Wydad will rub in Manchester City, Juventus FC and Al Ain FC, the Emimien Champion 2023 club.
“Our group is noted, so we have to prepare for the best,” admits the captain of Wydad. “Large matches await us and we are proud to play them. You have to be up to the event and represent Moroccan football with dignity. »»
“I respect all these clubs, which are renowned in their championships and have high -level players, but it is the details that make the difference in these kinds of matches. We must therefore be enthusiastic and face these teams as if we were in our championship. Respect must be mutual because the names do not mean anything to football. It is on the field that football delivers its verdict. »»
“As a captain, I’m still talking about the Club World Cup on my teammates: they are aware of the challenge that awaits them and they can’t wait to take up this challenge. You will see what we are capable of. »»
In an attempt to make exploits in the United States, Wydad can count on fans as numerous as they are fervent: “Our supporters follow us everywhere and live around the world. I’m sure they are many in the United States and I hope they will come to support us at the stadium. »»
Thembinkosi Lorch is one of the players on which the Wydad will be based next month. In South Africa, he won several national cuts and was appointed best player in the championship in 2019 with the Orlando Pirates, before signing to the Mamelodi Sundowns FC, where he was crowned national champion last season.
These performances convinced the Wydad to attach its services to the Club World Cup. At the FIFA microphone, Lorch was impatient to start this competition: “I am very happy to participate in the World Cup and happy for the club. We will play exceptional matches against large teams. »»
Openly a fan of Manchester City, Thembinkosi is impatient to rub shoulders with the Mancunians: “It’s my heart club and I can’t wait to face them. Manchester City and Juventus are two big clubs. It is a player’s chance against them to observe and learn. »»
Arrived at the club in January only, Lorch is still taking his marks, but he believes that with the support of his partners and supporters, he can achieve his personal objectives and those of the club.
“It is not easy to land in Morocco from South Africa. There, everyone knows me, while here I am a stranger. I had to do this new situation. My teammates, coaches and supporters welcomed me with open arms in the team. I think my adaptation is going well. »»
“It’s a big club that loves football, with dedicated supporters. They give everything and that’s what makes them special. »»
