Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi on Friday called for better use of national team training camps, highlighting the challenges posed by travel, a packed schedule and limited training time.
Speaking during a session on national team preparation on the third and final day of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Strategic Conference in Santa Maria, on Cape Verde’s Sal Island, Ouahbi explained that logistical constraints had led to a reduction in the number of matches scheduled during a training camp from four to three, comprising two official matches and one friendly.
He cited a trip to South Africa that requires around 12 hours of flying time for the round trip, making it difficult to organize four matches within the same period.
Ouahbi said the length of the training camp had nevertheless allowed the coaching staff to work on several aspects of team play and give players enough time to absorb tactical instructions. Echoing observations by Arsène Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager, he stressed the amount of work national team coaches must complete in a limited time.
Video analysis, he added, plays an essential role in preparing national teams, complementing on-field training sessions.
The Morocco coach also highlighted the difficulty of finding suitable opponents, stressing that matches against top national teams allow coaches to assess players against the demands of the highest level and help them improve.
The session was part of the CAF Strategic Conference, held from October 7 to 9 in Cape Verde. The event brings together African football officials, national team coaches and international experts to examine lessons from the 2026 World Cup and discuss prospects for the development of football across the continent.
