PUMA UNVEILS NEWLY RENOVATED COMMUNITY FOOTBALL PITCH IN CASABLANCA

Just a few days before the 35th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup Of Nations kicks off, PUMA has breathed new life into one of Casablanca’s most symbolic community spaces, turning the Basket 3x3 Maarif pitch to PUMA Playground Of African Football, where young talent, neighbourhood pride and African football culture come together. A newly released drone shot offers the first aerial look at the transformed ground.

The renovation includes new goals, a fully resurfaced playing field, freshly painted walls, and a Moroccan/North African ground design created by artists Khalid Ajdour and Nassim El Bouh, brought to life by Reda Boudina and Bigua Mostapha, both graduates of the Beaux-Arts in Meknes.

Positioned between some of Casablanca’s most emblematic football districts — Lissasfa, Derb Sultan, Sidi Maarouf, Oulfa, Sbata and Sidi Othmane — the pitch has long been a daily meeting place for children and young adults. With its renovation complete, it is now set to become a vibrant hub for sport, creativity and community connection.

To mark the reopening, PUMA will host two community-focused events:

December 19 — Pitch Inauguration & Youth Workshops
Local authorities, artists, community leaders and PUMA representatives will gather to inaugurate the pitch. The ceremony will be followed by youth workshops introducing young people to a wide range of professional pathways within the world of sport — on and beyond the pitch.

December 20 — “Africa Cup of the Blocks Casablanca” Youth Tournament
The renovated pitch will welcome the first Moroccan edition of “Africa Cup of the Blocks Casablanca”, a high-energy 5v5 street football tournament inspired by La CAN des Quartiers. Teams representing neighbourhoods and African diasporas will compete in a knockout format, accompanied by music, creators, football legends and CAF ambassadors.

Peter Dangl, Director EEMEA Distribution at PUMA, said:
“In the lead-up to the Africa Cup, we want to bring the energy of the tournament back to the places where football truly lives — the neighborhoods. Casablanca’s youth carry an incredible passion for the game, and often what they lack isn’t talent but visibility and opportunities. Africa Cup of the Blocks Casablanca is a way to celebrate them on their own pitch, in their own community, and to give them a platform that reflects their identity and their aspirations.”

With the renovation and the two-day program, PUMA aims to bring the spirit of the Africa Cup directly to the youth and communities who keep football culture alive — and to offer a space worthy of their talent, passion and dreams.