Hakim Ziyech not desperate for Morocco recall

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Apr 07, 2017. 14:00

Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Hakim Ziyech says he's not keen to play for Morocco as long as Herve Renard is the head coach of the Lions of the Atlas.

Ziyech was a surprise exclusive by Renard when he announced his 23-man squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals a few months ago.

The Lions of the Atlas were knocked out of the tournament which was hosted by Gabon between January and February after losing to Egypt in the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old attacker has since stated that he's waiting for the two-time AFCON winning coach to leave his Morocco post as he's bound to depart.

"As long as he's there, I'll be with my head elsewhere," Ziyech was quoted on Lionsdelatlas.ma.

"And then he makes his choices. It is he who decides. And I accept it ... I know that a breeder does not usually stay long. I'm waiting quietly (he's leaving)."

Ziyech, who was born in Dronten, Netherlands, has been one of Ajax's top players this season - playing 25 Dutch Eredivisie games and netting six goals.

The former Netherlands youth international has made nine appearances for the Lions of the Atlas - scoring five goals in the process.