MOROCCO READY FOR WAFCON AS RABAT WELCOMES AFRICA WITH BLISS

A walk or drive around Rabat exhibits a city filled with a rich culture and history, thanks to the century-old architecture that reflects a people who remember how far they have come.

Morocco’s capital is clean and neat. It is summer, so the sun is out and as people walk to work in the mornings or to restaurants nearby for meetings, you can see them basking in the sun.

Ear-to-ear smiles that come with especially this time of the year when children can come out and play freely with no limitation from the temperature on the outside.

However, this is not your usual summer. This year, the North African monarchy is hosting the prestigious Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – WAFCON. It is the 12th edition of the biggest women’s football event in Africa, so there is a buzz of excitement in the air.

For the first time in the history of the continental tournament, a total of 12 teams will be competing for glory – up from eight in the past editions.

Girls and women playing football especially professionally is somewhat of a new idea on this side of the world and this is exactly why the residents of Rabat and Morocco in general are looking forward to the WAFCON.

Roadside cafes that display television coverage of the men’s topflight league – the Botola League – are gearing up to show the women’s games for those who are unable to go to the stadiums.

“We are excited about the upcoming women’s tournament. Our customers come in here to watch football across the world and this time, they will add a new chapter on their menu,” says Edgard Coly, the Senegalese Purchasing Manager at La Bodega, a popular restaurant and bar in Rabat.

For Coly and other restaurant managers and owners, this is an opportunity to charter new territories while using this as a chance to show the visitors the way of life of the people of Rabat.

Burundian team doctor Annick Munezero revealed that she is impressed with the warmth of the people in Rabat. “Right from the airport, we were received by smiling faces, the city is clean and the air is cool. I love it here already. We shall enjoy our stay from the look of things.”

Omar Boutemsmarine, who is a Moroccan driver in Rabat since 2009, says that the ambience in the city represents the “return to life after very difficult times with the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“The last two years have been very tough for everyone, but seeing this many visitors in town means that normalcy is returning and we love to see it,” Boutemsmarine explains with a promising smile.

For Rabat, her residents and visitors, the coming three weeks promise to be exciting and a true definition of a celebration of Africa.

May the games begin!