How Morocco is winning over dual-nationality players: Former Ajax star reveals recruitment strategy
Former Netherlands international Marciano Vink praises the Moroccan Football Federation’s progress in recruiting young dual nationals. He says Abdellah Ouazane and Ayoub Oufkir chose to represent Morocco because of its effective scouting strategy and the Atlas Lions’ sporting results.
Marciano Vink believes Morocco has significantly improved its organization in recent years. In comments reported Saturday by VoetbalPrimeur, the former Ajax Amsterdam player highlighted the work being done with young footballers of Moroccan origin playing in Europe. In his view, the federation now knows where to find the talent that could join its national teams.
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Initial contact can come very early, as young as the under-15 and under-16 age groups. The Moroccan federation tracks players across various European leagues and approaches their families to present them with a sporting project. Vink emphasized this preparation, which lets young players learn about the opportunities Morocco offers before they have to choose their sporting nationality.
Results on the field make Morocco more attractive. The successes of Moroccan youth teams and the Atlas Lions’ rise in the world rankings give Moroccan recruiters additional arguments, according to the Dutch analyst.
On Bladi.net : Why Moroccan-Dutch Football Talents Are Choosing Morocco Over the Netherlands
Ayoub Oufkir is an example of this shift. The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar winger was recently playing for the Netherlands under-21 team. Despite efforts by the Dutch federation to keep him, he chose Morocco. On Friday, November 13, he even scored on his first appearance for the Atlas Lions, in a 5-1 win over Niger in Casablanca.
