Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi has credited Morocco’s rise as a football powerhouse to sustained government investment rather than luck. He argued that the country’s success in international competitions over the past six years reflects deliberate long-term planning and consistent financial support for the sport.
In an opinion piece shared on Facebook on July 7, 2026, Mr. Nyantakyi highlighted Morocco as a model of how strategic public investment can transform national football. “Beyond FIFA and CAF funding, the Government of Morocco has poured resources into sports infrastructure, talent development, and the training of coaches, referees, and other personnel,” he wrote.
He added that government support extends beyond facilities, providing direct financial assistance to players in domestic leagues—further strengthening the foundation of Moroccan football. “For example, all women playing in the Moroccan women’s local league receive €600 per month from the government. Now they are African champions,” he said. According to Mr Nyantakyi, the investment has also strengthened club football, contributing to Morocco’s growing reputation on the continent and globally.
“Moroccan clubs are among the best in Africa, and their men’s teams are among the best in the world,” he added. Mr Nyantakyi said Morocco’s progress offered valuable lessons for Ghana and other African countries seeking sustained success in football. “There are two fundamental pillars that determine the long-term success of every national football team: sound development planning and sustainable funding,” he said.
He argued that success in international football cannot be achieved through short-term interventions or by depending solely on financial rewards from qualifying for major tournaments. “The lesson for Ghana—and indeed many African football nations—is clear. Sustainable success cannot be achieved through short-term measures or by relying solely on the financial rewards that accompany qualification for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup,” he said.
“World Cup bonuses alone do not build successful national teams.” Mr Nyantakyi called for deliberate and sustained investment in grassroots football, youth development and infrastructure, saying these remain the foundation for building competitive national teams.
“If Morocco’s recent achievements have taught Africa anything, it is that success is neither accidental nor instantaneous. It is the product of vision, patience, sustained investment, and an unwavering commitment to youth development,” he said.
Source: William Narh
