The Importance of Governance in Football
Having a substantial budget and skilled players is undoubtedly an advantage in the world of football; however, in the modern era, these factors alone are insufficient for establishing a successful club. The true strength of a team lies primarily in the clarity of its vision, the stability of its governance, and the respect it shows towards its environment. Without a solid, coherent, and transparent leadership, any sporting ambitions may crumble like a house of cards.
Current Challenges Facing Kawkab Athletic Club
As Kawkab Athletic Club of Marrakech embarks on its second consecutive season in the elite Botola Pro, the club should ideally navigate this summer with a sense of calm, buoyed by continuity and lessons learned from a promising previous season. However, the unfolding events behind the scenes are rekindling old fears and fostering doubt where there was once hope for building trust. The club's sporting trajectory raises eyebrows. The ultimately unfulfilled return of Hicham Damiî, the abandonment of the Reda Hakam option, and the subsequent appointment of Youssef Safri create an impression of indecision. This game of musical chairs within the coaching staff muddles the message being sent to supporters. Compounding this issue, reports indicate that some new recruits may have been signed even before the new coach could fully engage in the decision-making process regarding player acquisitions, raising questions about the coherence of the club’s project.
The situation becomes even more concerning with the recent announcement of Zaïd Belinda's resignation from his position as the general director of the sports company just weeks after his appointment as part of the club's new organization. If this resignation is confirmed, it would mark the first departure of a leader in this role since the establishment of the sports company, inevitably raising questions about internal operations and governance stability.
Adding to the uncertainty, persistent rumors suggest that Youssef Dahir, the first vice-president and head of communication for the club, may also be on the verge of leaving his position. At this point, there has been no official confirmation to substantiate these claims. Nonetheless, whether true or not, the spread of such rumors highlights the current communication vacuum surrounding Kawkab.
Meanwhile, the club’s leadership remains silent. There have been no press conferences or official communications to enlighten supporters or the public. This silence breeds speculation, fuels rumors, and allows social media to impose its narrative. In modern football, silence can sometimes weaken a club more than a poor performance on the pitch.
It is important to clarify that no one questions the right of the leaders to make decisions they believe are best. Governance is about making choices, but it also encompasses the need for explanation. Articulating decisions, sharing visions, addressing concerns, and taking responsibility are the cornerstones of a trusting relationship with supporters.
Therefore, organizing a genuine press conference is no longer an option but a necessity. This is not merely for the sake of justification but to clarify the current situation, outline the sporting and institutional project, and remind everyone of the direction the club intends to pursue.
The true heritage of Kawkab transcends its budget or infrastructure; its greatest asset lies in its loyal fanbase. Supporters who have celebrated the club's most significant achievements and remained steadfast during difficult years in the second division deserve more than silence. Kawkab of Marrakech is a monument in national football; its history, identity, and prestige warrant governance that reflects its legacy. To sustainably regain its status at the top, the club must rebuild on simple yet essential foundations: a clear vision, stable governance, transparent communication, and profound respect for those who have sustained Kawkab for over seventy years.
Football may change, as do its leaders, but Kawkab and its supporters endure. It is they to whom the club must first be accountable.
As reported by lopinion.ma.
