Botola D1: MAS appoints Akram Roumani as head coach

Former deputy of Tunisien Abdelhay Ben Soltane a you Switzerland Guglielmo Arena, Akram Romania will finally benefit from his chance as head coach in Botola Pro Inwi D1. The Maghreb of Fez announced, Wednesday evening, the appointment of the former Atlas Lion as coach of the first team, which he already supervised as interim coach. It must be said that the results speak in favor of the ex-KRC Genk player, who managed to bring regularity to the BUT.

At the end of December, the management office of the club spiritual capital decided to thank Guglielmo Arena. A breach of contract which did not fail to surprise several observers, especially given the results of last season. THE BUT had finished the previous financial year (2024-25) in 11th position, with a record of 8 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats. This season with the Swiss coach, the club occupied 7th position (22 pts) at the end of the first phase, with 6 wins, 4 draws and five defeats. Results seemed to be improving with Arena, but the board had even higher expectations, apparently. The MAS leaders therefore dismissed Arena and took the time to observe the performances of the interim coach, Akram Romaniawho demonstrated his ability to control the locker room and get the most out of the players.

The team scored a card for Roumani’s first on the bench, correcting Wydad Casablanca with a score of 4-1 in Casablanca. The MAS then scored a second card against the Union of Touargathen a third victory against the Moghreb of Tetouanbefore snatching a draw in Agadir against Hassania de Abdelhadi Sektioui (1-1). In four games, Akram Roumani therefore managed a harvest of 10 points, for 10 goals scored against 3 conceded. The native of Fez thus proved that he was capable of taking the reins of the team and the management office immediately awarded him a one and a half year contract. Fourth in the general table after the 19th day, the Maghreb of Fez will certainly aim for an African place with Romania at the end of the season. The club will try to strengthen its team during the winter transfer window, to increase its chances of securing a ticket for the African interclub cups.

Born in Fez on July 1, 1978, Akram Roumani started his career in the Maghreb in Fez, before leaving the Kingdom to try an experience with KRC Genk. The former midfielder then played a season in the Eredivisie, with RBC Roosendaal, before returning home and signing for Fath de Rabat. In selection, Akram Romania had been retained during the African Cups of Nations 2002 and 2004. He also won the CAN U23-1997 with the Lion cubs. His appointment as head coach of the BUT represents a motivating factor for several other players of his generation, who hope to succeed in such a reconversion after having set foot on the national lawns.