Regragui Hopes Hakimi Wins African Player of the Year, Citing 25-Year Moroccan Drought

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui expressed his strong desire for his player Achraf Hakimi to win the African Player of the Year award, on the sidelines of his arrival at the CAF Awards ceremony.

Speaking to the official website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Regragui stated: “I am very happy to be here, because every time an African event is held in Morocco, everyone is happy. This is our continent, and we honor and are proud of it.”

He continued: “As for Achraf Hakimi, God willing, he will win the Golden Ball, because perhaps no Moroccan player has won this award for 25 years. God willing, we will make our country happy tonight.”

Regarding the pressure the Moroccan national team might face with the upcoming AFCON competitions, he added: “Yes, there is great pressure, but we are playing on our home soil, and all the Moroccan people hope that we win this cup. However, we know that the continent is tough, and there are strong teams, and everyone wants to win it. We will also do our best, and God willing, we will make our people happy and do everything in our power to achieve that.”