## Achraf Hakimi Advocates for a Four-Year CAN Cycle
In a recent press conference, renowned Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi expressed his support for the African Cup of Nations (CAN) being held every four years instead of biennially. This shift, he argues, would have positive implications for both players and fans alike. As the Moroccan national team heads into its last group stage match against Zambia, Hakimi’s insights shine light on the future of African football.
### The Case for a Four-Year CAN
Hakimi, speaking alongside coach Walid Regragui, emphasized that moving the tournament to a four-year cycle would heighten the excitement surrounding the event. “The CAN every four years. I think it’s good. I listened to the teammates of the other selections,” he remarked. This sentiment underscores a growing consensus among African players about the need for the tournament to maintain its prestige.
#### Enhanced Anticipation and Competition
One of Hakimi’s key points is the increase in anticipation that a four-year interval would generate. “There will be more hype, more desire to come and play it,” he noted. With a longer gap between tournaments, teams would have more time to prepare, strategize, and build their squads. This leads to a richer, more competitive atmosphere, enabling players to showcase their talents at their best.
### Impact on Fans and the Football Community
Fan engagement is another critical aspect Hakimi touched upon. He believes that spacing out the CAN will allow fans to cherish the event more deeply. “The fans will follow this. Not like every two years with the same faces,” he pointed out. Such an approach fosters a stronger connection between the event and its supporters, making each tournament feel like an unmissable occasion.
#### Diminishing the Risk of Repetition
Hakimi also raised concerns about how frequent tournaments can dilute the significance of victories. “This will give more credit to the winner,” he argued. When tournaments are held every two years, teams may appear with familiar faces, which can lessen the perceived value of being crowned champion. A less frequent schedule allows teams to showcase new talents and stories, invigorating the narrative of African football.
### Building Respect for African Football
Hakimi strongly believes that adopting a four-year CAN format will enhance the global reputation of African football. “And people will respect African football more,” he stated confidently. As the African football community aims to solidify its standing on the world stage, ensuring that tournaments are not taken for granted will be crucial.
### Conclusion
With these compelling arguments, Achraf Hakimi supports a four-year cycle for the African Cup of Nations, advocating for a model that fosters excitement, growth, and respect for the beautiful game in Africa. As he prepares to return to the pitch from an ankle injury, his words resonate not just with his teammates, but also with fans yearning for a richer football experience. The future of African football looks promising, especially if innovative changes like this can be embraced.