Volleyball has captivated the hearts and spirits of its people in the colorful country of Morocco, where the sweltering sun meets the rhythmic pulses of African culture. This captivating sport has become an essential component of the nation’s sporting environment, symbolizing the spirit of solidarity, tenacity, and sportsmanship everywhere from the busy streets of the African nation to its serene beaches.
Morocco has a long-standing passion for volleyball, as seen by the regular influx of eager players and ardent spectators to stadiums, parks, and even impromptu courts to partake in the pleasure and excitement that volleyball offers.
The tireless efforts of both players and coaches are to be credited for the growth of volleyball in Morocco. Local clubs and academies have become hubs for developing young players’ potential and preparing them for competition at the national and international levels. These organizations offer the infrastructure, facilities, and coaching skills that are sorely lacking, ensuring the continued success of Moroccan volleyball.
Volleyball is more than just a game of rivalry and winning at any costs. The principles of fair play and respect are of utmost importance in this game, regardless of whether it is a casual game amongst neighborhood teams or a fiercely competitive international tournament.
At its core, volleyball is a game of skill and precision. With six players on each side, the objective is simple: to keep the ball in the air and send it over the net, aiming to land it in the opposing team’s court. But behind this seemingly straightforward objective lies a complex web of tactics, coordination, and anticipation.
Moreover, volleyball is played on sandy beaches, indoor courts, and even grassy fields, adapting to different environments and attracting players from all walks of life.
Recently, the sport gained popularity in Morocco due to the outstanding performance of the men’s COD Meknes who won the Throne Cup volleyball competition for the 2022-2023 season.
In an interview with BarlamanToday, CODM (Club Omnisports de Meknes) member and national beach volleyball team player, Adil Bsina, disclosed that he has been a member of the CODM team since 2019, and that his club has won four titles, two Throne Cups, and two championships.
In the same vein, Bsina pointed out that this year, Morocco won the African championship for the third time since the inception of the tournament, and that the women’s national team also took home the trophy.
Bsina added that volleyball is not as popular in Morocco relative to other sports such as football, basketball, or handball, emphasizing that this game unfortunately does not command the stature it deserves among other sports.
He called on the officials of the sports profession to provide volleyball as much publicity as other types of sports. The player went on to say that relevant advertising entities only sponsored the football teams due to the popularity of this game–completely neglecting the consideration any other sports–and that the more well-known a sport is, the more businesses vie to sponsor the “cash cow.”
“All sports teams face similar obstacles which are financial issues. If the club has sufficient funds, it will be able to bring on professional players, which can help raise the level of the other players,” said Bsina.
In responding to questions regarding partnerships and collaboration between Morocco and other countries with respect to increasing the publicity of the sport, Bsina indicated that the Royal Moroccan Volleyball Federation teams up with international institutions such as the French Volleyball Federation, in order to provide the players and coaches with the necessary training to improve skills levels and performance.
Bsina also shed light on other problems which student athletes may encounter, such as the inability to simultaneously divide time between sports and schooling. In response to this, the Moroccan government created a new program in educational institutions called “Education and Sports Carrier,” which entitles student athletes additional hours to practice sports. Additionally, the players who perform well join other foreign teams after departing their own national ones.
Bsina exclusively told BarlamanToday that The CODM team is selected to play in the Arab Club Champions Cup the upcoming season, adding that the club hopes to be among the first three teams in the tournament.
In conclusion, volleyball’s dynamic aspect is what makes it so engaging. The game unfolds in a symphony of movement and agility with each serve, dig, and spike. Players defy gravity as they soar through the air, unleashing devastating attacks and stunning saves. The energy on the court is palpable as the crowd holds its breath in anticipation of the next thrilling rally.