The recent outing of COD Meknès 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 unfailing loyalty towards CODEM and to once again provide their steadfast support to the "Knights of Ismailia" at the "Charafi" Stadium.
Located in the heart of the city of Meknès, the Honour Stadium was inaugurated in 1962. Since then, it remains a living witness to the most famous epics of Meknassi football, but not only that!
Hamadi Hamidouch, Abdeljalil Hadda, alias "Camacho", Mustapha Bidane, and even Jamal Drideb had graced its pitch and built its enduring reputation.
Unfortunately, CODEM was to experience periods of multifaceted instability embodied, notably, by an unfortunate relegation to 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 Honour Stadium of Meknès is more than ever one of the most beautiful stadiums in Morocco. Its architecture and location are atypical," welcomed the Club's president, Azzeddine Yaâcoubi.
In a statement to MAP, he praised all the work accomplished to restore all its symbolism to "Charafi" and to make it an edifice that honours the Ismaili Capital and its inhabitants.
"The Commissions of the FRMF and the CAF have affirmed that the Honour Stadium of Meknès does indeed meet the standards required to host interclub and international matches," insisted Mr. Yaâcoubi.
Furthermore, the president of CODEM 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 Botola, we were forced to play far from our bases. 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 were held with the competent authorities to put in place measures to preserve this jewel.
He indicated that they have communicated with the CODEM ultras, who are "aware of the importance of preserving this heritage, which reflects the image of a historic city".
Mr. Benabdlkrim also addressed his thanks to the Meknassi public, who spare no effort and make many sacrifices so that CODEM shines brightly.
From 1962 to 2024, the history of the Honour Stadium of Meknès 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 only championship of Morocco.
