In the Tangier countryside, between Chrafa and Aïn Dalia, a vast green expanse intrigues travelers. It's neither farmland nor a golf course project, but the largest sports turf nursery ever created in the country, and even on the continent. The result of the work of the Moroccan company Somecotrad, this site covers nearly 12 hectares, the equivalent of more than 17 international-standard football pitches. It is here that Paspalum TE Platinum grows, a premium variety that has become the signature of Moroccan stadiums. In recent months, trucks loaded with strips of turf have regularly left the village of Boukador, along provincial road 4602 on the outskirts of Tangier, to supply the stadiums that will host upcoming major football events, while FIFA and CAF experts have praised the exceptional quality of this local production.
On this vast site, the turf continues to grow under controlled conditions. The field hosts some of the highest-performing varieties used in international stadiums, including the highly sought-after Paspalum TE Platinum. Among the pitches being serviced are those slated to host matches of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. According to information obtained on site, the turf grown in Boukador received the highest rating from experts from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. This assessment followed the FIFA president's visit to the Grand Stade de Tanger a few weeks ago. Interviewed by Le360, Zakaria Chennaf, the agronomist in charge of the site, explained that this nursery was designed according to international standards. It has already made it possible to supply and equip several major stadiums, including the Grand Stade de Tanger, the Moulay Abdellah complex in Rabat, the Moulay Hassan stadium and the Al-Barid Stadium, in addition to numerous training grounds spread across the country.
The engineer emphasizes that the natural grass cultivated in Boukador possesses characteristics particularly well-suited to the local climate: high resistance to salinity, low water consumption, and optimal growth even in shaded conditions. Zakaria Chennaf concludes by stating that the Boukador grass fully meets FIFA's requirements. He notes that this variety, used in Tangier, has already been adopted in several international stadiums, notably in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.
