Marouane Chamakh hails Futsal as vital foundation for technical development
Moroccan football legend Marouane Chamakh has hailed futsal as one of the most effective platforms for developing the technical qualities required to succeed at the highest level of the game.
Speaking at the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 draw in Rabat on Monday, the former Morocco international reflected on the important role futsal continues to play in nurturing talented footballers.
Chamakh, who enjoyed a successful career in Europe and represented the Atlas Lions for more than a decade, believes the fast-paced nature of futsal equips players with the technical foundation needed to thrive in the 11-a-side game.
“I think futsal is extremely important when it comes to developing the fundamental qualities of a player,” said Chakh.
“It is more precise, more technical and accessible to almost everyone. Many of my former teammates, both in the national team and at club level, started their careers in futsal. They developed their technique there before using those skills as a foundation for football.”
The former international compared futsal to the street football environment that has traditionally produced many of African football most technically gifted players.
“It has similarities with street football. When you combine those elements with futsal, players build a strong technical base that can later be transferred to football. That is why I believe it is so important,” he added.
Chamakh also praised the remarkable rise of Moroccan football and futsal in recent years, describing the country’s achievements as the result of long-term planning and investment across all levels of the game.
Morocco has emerged as one of Africa’s leading football nations, enjoying success in men’s and women’s football, while also establishing itself as a dominant force in continental futsal.
“I think the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is reaping the rewards of the work it has invested over many years. Behind these successes there have been many victories, but above all there has been a clear vision and commitment.”
The TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 draw saw the eight qualified nations were drawn into two groups of four, with hosts Morocco placed in Group A alongside Libya, Zambia and Algeria, while Egypt headline Group B with Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania.
The tournament will be played in Morocco from 12 to 21 October 2026 and will bring together some of the continent’s best futsal nations.
TotalEnergies CAF Futsal AFCON Morocco 2026 Groups
GROUP A: Morocco, Libya, Zambia, Algeria
GROUP B: Egypt, Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania