What's fuelling the success of women's football Morocco?
Feb 12, 2025
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Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, the Confederation of African Football’s head of women’s football, discusses the inspiring growth of women’s football in Morocco. The conversation reveals how cultural shifts have allowed more girls to play, with packed stadiums and increasing TV audiences as evidence. Young Imane shares her journey as a budding player amidst challenges, while forward Rosella Ayane highlights the Atlas Lionesses’ historic achievements, including their World Cup qualification. Together, they explore the hopes and aspirations for a brighter future in the sport.
The transformation in cultural attitudes towards women's football in Morocco has led to increased acceptance and participation among young girls in the sport.
Significant investments in women's football infrastructure and professional leagues are driving the growth of female talent and opportunities in Morocco.
Deep dives
Changing Perceptions of Women's Football
The perception of women's football in Morocco has transformed significantly, with more young girls embracing the sport. Teenage players like Imane have overcome initial skepticism and discrimination, where being a girl playing football meant facing doubts about their abilities. As Imane's skills improved and she became better than her male peers, she contributed to changing attitudes, leading to increased acceptance of girls in the sport. Now, it's common to see young girls playing football in streets and parks, a stark contrast to the situation two decades ago when such visibility was almost nonexistent.
Support and Investment in Women’s Football
Investment in women's football in Morocco has emerged as a crucial factor in its growth, which includes both financial resources and supportive infrastructures. Initiatives led by the government and various organizations have created opportunities for young female athletes, such as new training facilities and competitive leagues. The establishment of a professional national women's league demonstrates a commitment to elevating the sport and fostering talent. With an increasing number of girls inspired by the success of teams like the Atlas Lionesses, there is a growing belief that they can excel in football, further promoting participation.
Cultural Shifts and Future Aspirations
Cultural attitudes towards women's football are shifting, largely due to increased visibility and success on both national and international stages. The successes of the Atlas Lionesses at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations and their qualification for the Women's World Cup have inspired a new generation of female footballers. Families are now more supportive of their daughters pursuing sports careers, seeing potential professional pathways in football. Looking ahead, stakeholders in Moroccan football are hopeful for continued progress and have aspirations for greater achievements, aiming for their national teams to excel globally.
The growth of women’s football in Morocco has seen more girls taking up the sport.
The evidence of this can be seen in how many young girls play the beautiful game in their neighbourhoods, in the streets. It’s something which would not have happened 20 years ago.
The success of women’s football there has also been reflected in the packed stadiums and the rising number of people watching the women’s national team- the Atlas Lionesses- on television. They are also the first North African and Arab squad to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. So what’s behind the growth in women’s football in Morocco?
In today’s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to 15 year old Imane on why she decided to play football, Atlas Lioness forward Rosella Ayane and Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, the Confederation of African Football’s head of women’s football.
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