The Arab world has many big and influential clubs. Al-Ahly and Zamalek from Cairo, Al-Hilal Riyadh, Ittihad Jeddah, Esperance Tunis, Mouloudia Algiers, Wydad and Raja Casablanca. Each one of them is a 'Dawla’, ‘Dima’. An entity with culture and impact that go way beyond than just the game itself. They are literally, nations within nations. People within their countries.
Raja Casablanca is exactly that. In the past ten days, the club has made some serious waves worldwide. Their clash in the Arab Champions Cup against Hilal Al-Quds is one of the most trending topics among football fans these days. You cannot blame them.
Raja Casablanca is one of the biggest clubs in Africa. Founded in 1949, the club has won multiple titles in Morocco, as well as in the continental level. 19 local titles and three CAF Champions League titles are what giving the club its pride. Despite an honorable participation in the Club World Cup in 2013, where they finished as runner-ups - in the past decade, the Green Eagles have seen the back of its city rivals, Wydad, too often, as the latter won the CAF Champions League for the first time since 1992, and became one of the sourcing stones of African football in manners of talent, organization and fans.
Although it seemed that the Red side of Casablanca is on top, Raja’s fans, Dima Raja, as the club’s worldwide supporters movement is nicknamed, are among the world’s best groups. Identified as more patriotic with a right-wing orientation within Moroccan society, Raja is known to have one of the most passionate, creative, powerful and eclectic sets of ultras, on a global level. Ultras Eagles, Ultras Avanti are familiar for creating crazy atmosphere. All in all, Raja’s world fan base is estimated in around five million fans.
Ten days ago, when Palestinian champions Hilal Al-Quds arrived to play the last 32 round first leg at the Mohammed V Stadium, Raja fans have produced an epic reception, that caught the world’s eyes on a few things: Raja’s fans of course, but also the Palestinian cause and Palestinian football. Or specifically, Hilal Al-Quds.
LIONS OF THE CAPITAL
Jerusalem is arguably the most famous, disputed and beloved city in the world. If something takes place in Jerusalem, the world will surely hear about it. In recent years, something is happening, but not too many people know about it. This something is Hilal Al-Quds.
Hilal Al-Quds is the emerging power of Palestinian football in the past few seasons. From almost being relegated in 2015/2016, the club has been on the rise in recent years. Three West Bank Premier League titles in a row, a West Bank Cup, two Palestine Cups, an Abu Amar Cup and participated in the AFC Cup group stage.
The squad contains a number of the top talents Palestine’s football scenario had witnessed. Goalkeeper Rami Hamadi, left-back Abdallah Jaber and defensive midfielder Mohammed Darweesh, are the main protagonists of this team - all born and raised in Israeli football, but rising to glory in Palestine. Hamodeh Samer and Samer Joundi as well, while Mousa Firawi, Ihab Khamis and Mouhammad Ali are all representatives of the talented 1999 generation of East Jerusalem footballers who now start to make a name for themselves. Mohammed Bassem Morsheid is another promising name on the team, which managed to achieve a narrow loss in Casablanca, only 1-0, what leaves a glimpse of hope to the al-Za’im for the second leg.
RAJA + JERUSALEM = WORLDWIDE FAME
When Raja entered the West Bank on Wednesday night, the excitement was at its peak. It’s the biggest club to arrive and play there in an official match.
“We are here to play the match of the Arab Cup, but also to strengthen and empower Palestinian people”, said a few players and officials from the Moroccan delegation. Raja, together with Al-Wehdat, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiaya, Uzbekistan, Iraq, the UAE, Oman and other, are among a list of football teams from across the region and beyond who came to play in the Palestinian territories in recent years. But with Raja, it is different. Why? Because of the people, the crowd, the millions who will follow. The Dima.
If Hilal Al-Quds will shine on Thursday evening at the home of Palestinian football - Faisal Husseini Stadium - the ground will move. Not only because it will be the biggest achievement a Palestinian team has ever achieved, but because it was against Raja Casablanca. A nation itself in the Arab world, that everyone who touches it becomes a bit of a Rajawy. In addition, the fact that it takes place in Jerusalem will add this epic ingredient that would make the whole world know about Hilal Al-Quds, Palestinian football, and it’s talented players.
Kids are painting on the seperation wall near Faisal Husseini Stadium a graffiti under the phrase “Rajawy-Filistini” with flags of Palestine and Morocco. The biggest club match in Palestinian football history
(photo: Ahmad Jundi)