Raja CA towards a new era .. Ziyat, the people's favorite candidate, sets the course

Four years after leaving the presidency of Raja, Jawad Ziyat returns with a clear ambition: to finally activate Raja CA and build a sustainable model. With the support of Marsa Maroc, the Federation, and the Wali of Casablanca, the former president promises a radical break with the methods of the past. A candid interview.

"Nine presidents in eight years is not sustainable."

He speaks about it calmly but firmly. At 57, Jawad Ziyat, president of Raja between 2018 and 2020, returns in a context of acute crisis determined to put an end to the club's chronic instability. "The crisis Raja is going through is not cyclical, it's structural," he insists. Since 2016, the club has seen nine presidents. "It's not a club, it's musical chairs," he summarizes.

For him, the issue goes beyond individuals: "The current association model, based on volunteer management, no longer meets the demands of modern football. Raja needs professional, stable, and performance-oriented governance."

Marsa Maroc in the capital, Raja SA in sight

The revolution he proposes has a name: Raja SA, a company created in 2019 but never activated. "With the support of Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa and Casablanca Wali Mohamed Mhidia, we secured an agreement with Marsa Maroc, a solid public player. Now we have to make the most of it."

The project is clear: to transition the club from an association to a sports limited company, in accordance with the law. A significant change, but also one full of hope. "This time, the conditions are right. It's a historic opportunity."

Capital of 250 million, a valuation of 510

The financial package, already finalized, provides for a 60/40 split between Marsa Maroc (150 million dirhams [$40,838,551]) and the Association (100 million dirhams [$27,225,700]). "The Association provides the assets: the brand, the players, the track record. The investor injects cash. It's mathematical."

According to an appraisal by a commissioned investment bank, Raja's gross valuation reaches 510 million dirhams ($138,851,075). "This includes 80 million for the first team and the elite youth teams, 150 million for the Raja brand, and 280 million for the academy and real estate. After deducting the 130 million debt, the net worth stands at 380 million."

"A modern project that respects Raja's DNA"

But for Ziyat, the transformation isn't just an accounting act. It's a vision. "We are going to build a modern, competitive, and rigorous company, yet faithful to Raja's popular and social identity."

Starting July 8, the day after the general meeting, he plans to launch four priority projects:

• Legal

• Governance

• Economic strategy

• A transition between the Association and society.

"We will work with renowned legal experts, including international ones. You don't draft a shareholders' agreement like you fill out a commitment form. Excellence is required."

A Rational Training and Recruitment Policy

The foundation of his vision remains clear: training. "The likes of Rahimi, Banoun, Bassir, and El Karkouri have brought millions to the club. We must recreate this virtuous cycle." The Academy, a royal gift, "will remain the property of the Association but can be operated through an agreement."

On the recruiting front, there has been a change of direction: "We're stopping blind recruitment. There will be a scientific, rational approach. And if a young player trained at the club is at the same level as an external player, that's the one we'll select."

A Raja Foundation, a Social Project

Another innovation is the creation of a Raja social foundation. "We want to support former players and help young people in difficulty. Raja isn't just a club, it's an institution. It must play a role in society."

"A necessary transition. And an opportunity."

To those who fear a dilution of the Raja spirit in capitalism, Ziyat responds bluntly: "There is no reason to be afraid. This transition to corporate ownership is a must for survival. And a historic opportunity for growth."

He concludes with a call for unity: "I call on all club stakeholders, including the other candidates, to come together. There may be no other window to successfully complete this transition."

In summary: The main goals of the Ziyat project

• Effective creation of Raja SA

• Strategic partnership with Marsa Maroc (150 million dirhams)

• Gross club valuation: 510 million dirhams

• Social foundation for former players

• Overhaul of recruitment and training

• Professional and strategic governance

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.