"Charafi"... The stadium that honours the Meknassis

More than just a football pitch, the Stade d'Honneur in Meknes truly embodies its name. A genuine symbol etched in golden letters in the history of the national game, "Charafi" remains the pride of the Meknassis... From one generation to the next.

The recent outing of COD Meknes against Chabab Mohammedia in the Botola Pro D1 "Inwi" demonstrates, in many respects, the unwavering attachment of the unconditional football lovers of the Ismaili capital to their favourite stronghold.

They are all devoted to a common cause... To manifest a fanatically unwavering loyalty towards the CODM and to once again provide their steadfast support to the "Knights of Ismailia" at the "Charafi" stadium.

Located in the heart of Meknes city centre, the Stade d'Honneur was inaugurated in 1962. Since then, it remains a living witness to the most famous epics of Meknassi football, but that is not all!
Hamadi Hamidouch, Abdeljalil Hadda, alias "Camacho", Mustapha Bidane, and Jamal Drideb have all graced its pitch and built its enduring reputation.

Unfortunately, the CODM would go on to experience periods of multifaceted instability, embodied, notably, by an unfortunate relegation to the D2 and then to the amateur championship.
After several long years of struggle, this historic club has finally regained the place that was its own... Among the elite.

"Charafi"... The resurrection!

Within the framework of the dynamic that Moroccan football is experiencing, particularly in terms of infrastructure development, "Charafi" has been given a makeover... Completely!
Officially delivered by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, it now enjoys the facilities required at the highest level.

"Charafi" has thus been equipped with a natural grass pitch, modern seats, a giant screen, modern spaces reserved for the press, and high-quality lighting, sound, and surveillance systems, as well as more fluid access for the public.

"The Stade d'Honneur in Meknes is more than ever one of the most beautiful stadiums in Morocco. Its architecture and location are unique," welcomed the club president, Azzeddine Yaâcoubi.

In a statement to the MAP, he praised the work accomplished to restore all of "Charafi's" symbolism and make it an edifice that honours the Ismaili capital and its inhabitants.
"The FRMF and CAF commissions have confirmed that the Stade d'Honneur in Meknes does indeed meet the standards required to host inter-club and international matches," insisted Mr. Yaâcoubi.

Furthermore, the CODM president noted that playing in their own stadium is likely to motivate the players to give their all and bring joy to a public always thirsty for victories.

"During the previous days of the Botola, we were forced to play far from our base. We had acclimatisation problems that did not prevent us from achieving good results against big names," he pointed out.

"Today, we can finally play at home and feel all the warmth of a stadium that will always be packed to the rafters," added Mr. Yaâcoubi.
For his part, the club's general secretary, Hatim Benabdlkrim, noted that daily meetings have taken place with the competent authorities to put in place measures to preserve this jewel.

He indicated that they have communicated with the CODM ultras, who are "aware of the importance of preserving this heritage, which reflects the image of a historic city".
Mr. Benabdlkrim also extended his thanks to the Meknassi public, who spare no effort and make many sacrifices so that the CODM shines brightly.

From 1962 to 2024, the history of the Stade d'Honneur in Meknes has been marked by several adventures. The most moving moment undoubtedly dates back to the 1994-1995 season, when the "Matador" team, led by "Camacho" & Co, won the Moroccan championship.

By Anouar Afajdar (MAP)