The return of Sais and the absence of harems… Walid explains

National voter Walid Regragui commented on the return of Brigadier General Romain Saiss to the ranks of the “Lions” after his absence from the last March camp, considering it a natural return, given the player’s value with the national team and with his club.

Regragui said, during the press conference that included the announcement of the Moroccan national team roster to face Zambia and Congo Brazzaville: “I explained my position in the March camp… since I wanted to try out young players, it was a rest period for Saiss in order to focus on his team. I always trust Saiss and his sense of leadership and that he will be ready when we need him.”

Regarding the concern about the physical readiness of the national team players after a difficult season in various leagues, the same coach stated: “The fear that we had was regarding Nayef Akrad, who did not play recently with West Ham due to injury… We accompanied him during this period with the national team doctor, and he joined the Maamoura Center since Days to work on the physical aspect with Ezzedine Ounahi so that they will be ready for the next two matches.”

The national framework itself indicated that it works in complete coordination with Tariq Al-Saktiwi, the coach of the Olympic team, especially since the first team practically has 11 players who may participate in the Olympic Games, adding: “I know Al-Saktiwi well, and the issue of coordination is important and present. It is true that our goal is to achieve results and titles, but we also focused on preparing a new generation of players, and we are waiting for the Olympic team to provide results that will please the audience in the Paris tournament and qualify for the second round… I believe in the ability of this team to achieve that.”

In response to a question about not calling on Rabih Harimat, the Royal Army player, Regragui said: “I look forward to the national team’s interests and put them above all else. Whoever deserves and is in line with my ideas and approved way of playing will be with us. For example, Rahimi and Al Kaabi, I did not call them for the World Cup, but when they improved their level and I truly believed in the addition they would provide us, they returned to strengthen the ranks of the Lions.”

Regarding the absence of players from the tournament from the Moroccan national team’s roster, the coach explained that “the door is open to any deserving player,” and added: “I will not allocate a quota for tournament players just to please an audience.” Championship players must excel, not only in the league, but in continental championships. Then, if names emerge that deserve to be in the first team, they will be called up.”

Morocco will face the Zambian national team on the field of the Grand Stadium in Agadir next June 7 at eight in the evening, while it will face Congo on June 11 at the Martyrs Stadium in the city of Kinshasa. At five o’clock in the afternoon, local time, about the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.