Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids, alongside German-born Josef Zinnbauer, have orchestrated an impressive season at Raja Casablanca, culminating in clinching the Moroccan Botola Pro 1 title without a single defeat.
This remarkable achievement was not initially set as a goal, according to Davids, but emerged from consistent efforts to challenge league leaders AS FAR Rabat, who were managed by Kaizer Chiefs-linked mentor Nasreddine Nabi.
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In an in-depth discussion on GameOn on Radio 2000, Davids shared insights into the tactical and mental strategies that propelled Raja Casablanca to the top of Moroccan football.
"Actually, our focus was only to be close to AS FAR Rabat who were top of the log the entire season. Midway through we were on the same points, they had a better goal-difference and when we started the second round in January, after our draw against each other they won eight in a row," Davids told GameOn on Radio 2000.
"So, then they opened up a four-point gap because then they drew two matches so it was always about how to close the gap then really remaining unbeaten and we went on a run – nine matches in a row. The last nine games of the league we won in a row and that gave us the title finally," he added.
"Every game was difficult, in the first round an example is we beat (IR) Tanger 5-1 in the first round and then in the second round with three matches to go all the matches were played at the same time, they were 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go so we were out of it and we came back to win that game 2-1."
The campaign was fraught with challenges, including a pivotal match against fierce rivals Wydad Casablanca.
"So, it just shows any team in the league was a difficult game. Our next match was against Wydad, 0-0, 90th minute then we get a free-kick and our player put it in the top corner and we beat Wydad to then go to the penultimate match ahead in first position.
"So, the win against Wydad was not only sweet because it's a derby and it's a big match but it was the match that put us on top of the league and was just faced with the last match against Oujda which were finally won 3-0," Davids explained.
"Every game presented difficulties, but the victory over Wydad was particularly decisive. Scoring in the final minute of a derby not only secured the win but also propelled us to the top of the league standings just before the final match of the season," Davids explained.
Reflecting on his partnership with Zinnbauer, which began at Orlando Pirates and continued in Morocco, Davids emphasized the professional and respectful nature of their relationship.
"It's a relationship, that's exactly what it is. It's a professional relationship based on respect, he respects me as a coach and a former player. He knows I wasn't just an assistant coach when he arrived at Pirates, I was a head coach before and he immediately gave me that respect to be his man next to him," Davids said.
"Ja, we have got a good relationship in relation to football and I think that's the most important thing, you have to have one voice, one direction, it's been good so far and to achieve something like this you have to have one voice that transmits onto the players," he added.
The partnership between Davids and Zinnbauer at Raja Casablanca has not only led to significant success in the Moroccan league but also highlighted the importance of tactical acumen and mutual respect in coaching.
As Raja prepare for the semi-finals of the Throne Cup against MC Oujda, the team looks to continue their impressive form under the guidance of this dynamic coaching duo.
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