Chipolopolo midfielder Benson Sakala has praised Morocco for raising the standard of football investment on the continent, saying the North African nation has set a benchmark that other African countries should aspire to emulate.

Over the past decade, Morocco has pursued an aggressive and well-coordinated football development agenda anchored by heavy public and private investment.

Central to this approach has been the establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, the construction of modern stadiums and training facilities across the country, and sweeping reforms within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to professionalise the game.

These efforts have been complemented by structured youth leagues, advanced coaching education programmes, and increased support for women’s football, creating a clear pathway from grassroots to elite level.

The impact of this strategy is evident with the Arab nation reaching the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They will be co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Sakala has hailed this investment.

“They have invested heavily in their football and it is paying off,” Sakala, who plays for Czech Republic side Bohemians 1905, told his club media in an interview. “If you see the past few years Morocco from their youth teams, I think they have won every trophy possible.”

Sakala described Morocco’s investment as a good investment.

“I think they have made a good investment, and it is paying out really well for them.

“Teams that are down [on the continent] are trying to catch up, so if you will reach that level then it will be good. so we try to push and get to that level, ” he said.

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