Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach and performance analyst Darian Wilken has penned a moving message after being roped in as part of Fadlu Davids’ backroom staff at Raja Casablanca.
Wilken will be Davids’ first assistant coach at the Moroccan giants, having previously served as the club’s performance analyst under Josef Zinnbauer.
A trusted lieutenant of Davids, Wilken served as an assistant coach under him at Simba SC last season, helping steer the Tanzanian giants to the CAF Confederation Cup final.
He is now back in North Africa in a higher role amid high expectations to help Raja return to the CAF Champions League next season by securing a top-two finish in the Botola Pro League. With Zinnabauer, Wilken won the 2023/24 Botola crown, something that sets the bar for him and Davids in their return to the former African champions.
WILKEN’S ‘DEEP GRATITUDE’ FOR RAJA CASABLANCA RETURN
“I’m so happy to be returning to Raja AC as first-team assistant coach,” Wilken said. “The 2023/24 season was something truly unforgettable. Winning the Botola and lifting the Throne Cup together will forever stay with me as some of the proudest moments of my career. Those memories are written in my heart and in the history of this great club.
“Coming back now, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. This is to the club and president [Jawad Ziyat] for opening their doors to me again and for the trust that has been placed in me. I also want to thank my agent Rasthoem Simons from 5S Sports for his dedication and hard work behind the scenes to make this deal happen.”
WHAT DOES RETURNING TO MOROCCO MEAN FOR THE EX-PIRATES COACH?
“Morocco is very special to me and my family. This country, its culture, and its people have made us feel at home from the very beginning. And being part of Raja only deepens that connection. Coming back here is not just professional. It is personal,” added Wilken.
“It feels like returning to a second home. Now it is time to look forward under head coach Fadlu Davids. The challenges ahead are big, but the hunger, the belief, and the motivation are stronger than ever.
“We know what this club stands for, and we know what it means to fight for this badge. Here’s to a new season together. A season filled with unity, hard work, and more moments that we will carry with us forever. With all of us together, players, staff, and fans, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”
Also joining Davids’ technical set-up is former Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands. He will serve as Raja’s goalkeeper coach.
Another South African, Mueez Kajee, will be the video analyst. On the other hand, former Moroka Swallows strength and conditioning coach Durell Butler comes in as the fitness trainer.
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