AZAM headed to North Africa again as they seek to sharpen themselves ahead of a challenging season ahead.

They jetted out of the country on Sunday in preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign. 

Players and members of the technical team will spend two weeks in Morocco, where they are expected to train and play friendly matches. 

Azam have already played against Zanzibar’s Zimamoto and fans got to see what they can expect from the squad that has seen several changes with incomings and outgoings. 

So far this transfer window, Azam have confirmed five arrivals with attacking midfielder Franck Tiesse, defender Yoro Mamadou Diaby, midfielder Ever Meza, striker Jhonier Blanco, striker Adam Omar Adam and midfielder Nassor Saadun, all coming through the door at Chamazi Complex. 

Head coach Youssouph Dabo confirmed they will play five friendly matches while in Morocco as part of their third and final preseason plans. 

“The first step was at Chamazi, the second was in Zanzibar and we are now in the third step, the last one in Morocco for two weeks with three friendly games. We need to continue to help the new players adapt. Some of them need more time than old players who already understand how we play. 

“For the old players, it will be something to remind them about last season. For the new players, it is the moment for them to adapt, understand their teammates, and also their teammates to understand them. 

“In our plan, we need to play five games before we start the competitions. We will play three games in Morocco and one when we return before the Community Shield. 

“On Friday we played one game in Zanzibar. We had good reactions from the new players especially, I liked their mindsets, and behaviours in some situations that we worked on before. But we still need time to be ready,” said Dabo. 

Azam have not won a trophy since 2019 and are under pressure to break their barren run under coach Dabo who is beginning his second season with the team. 

The last season's NBC Premier League runners-up are scheduled to face APR of Rwanda in the CAF Champions League preliminary rounds. 

Azam will host the first leg at Chamazi Complex before travelling to Kigali for the return leg. 

If the Ice Cream Makers proceed to the next stage, they will face either Zanzibar’s JKU or Egyptian giants Pyramids.