Roma World No. 19: Morocco

Roma World returns with a trip to Marrakesh to meet Kabbour, who became a Roma supporter in a country where most choose to follow Barcelona or Real Madrid...

Name: Kabbour Satour
Age: 22
City: Marrakesh
Country: Morocco

Where did you grow up?

“I was born and raised in Marrakesh, one of the most well-known cities here in Morocco. It’s called the red city, and with its warm yellow shining sun, I’ve always seen similarities between my city and my favourite team.”

Why did you choose Roma?

“I grew up in a country where the majority of its people are fans of two major teams: Barcelona and Real Madrid. I have always wanted to be different though, so I chose Roma, and it has definitely had a very special impact on me.”

What is your first memory of Roma?

"My first memory of Roma is when Totti scored two goals in the derby against Lazio in March of 2011. It was the first derby that I watched live on TV (it was not easy for me to follow Roma’s matches live because La Liga dominates the coverage in Morocco). That win against Lazio and Totti’s performance gave me an incredible feeling."

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

"Through Roma's history there are many figures that I consider to be heroes such as Dino Viola, Daniele De Rossi, Bruno Conti, Simone Perrotta, and Rodrigo Taddei, but my number one hero out of all of them has to be Francesco Totti. He rejected the big money offers from bigger teams and chose to stay at Roma, proving to us that money is not everything. Whenever I get the chance to play football I try to imitate Totti's famous 'cucchiaio.'"

Who has been your favorite Roma manager and why?

"Fabio Capello without a doubt. He brought us our third Scudetto and he is rated as one of the best coaches in the history of football.

"I would also like to add Luciano Spalletti as well because I have had the chance to see him more often recently and I have a feeling he can bring us our fourth Scudetto."

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

"I was very disappointed when we lost the final of the Coppa Italia against Lazio in 2013. I was going through a difficult time personally and was really hoping Roma would win the cup, but they didn’t which certainly did not help!"

Do Roma have a passionate fan base in the city you live?

"Luckily yes! Thanks to Roma Club Morocco I have met some great Giallorossi supporters who live in Marrakesh. Through Roma, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. We try to watch each Roma game together at the cafe and we even play matches against other teams’ supporters now and then."

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

"I think all Roma fans would agree that Lazio is the team we enjoy beating the most, but for me beating Juventus is also pretty good. I feel the same pleasure defeating Juventus that I do when we defeat Lazio."

What makes Roma so special to you?

"Roma always keeps me motivated. Every single game for me is like a finale game; I feel the same passion. I have noticed this in all the Giallorossi supporters I have met. We don't cheer for Roma because they win, we cheer until they win."

What does Totti mean to you?

"As they say in Rome, 'Si scrive TOTTI si legge ROMA!' (When you write TOTTI you will read it as ROMA). He is the most loyal player in the history of football and the most beloved player of the club's tifosi. Despite his age he still keeps his amazing touch and vision. I really don't like to think about his retirement because it will hurt for every Roma fan."

Who is your favourite current player and why?

"Francesco Totti will always be my favourite player, but currently I think Radja Nainggolan and Kostas Manolas are the two best players for the club. Radja has that grit and does everything on the pitch in order to help his teammates. Manolas as well gives everything in every single game to secure our defence. Both players are really top quality and hopefully we see them with the team for as long as possible."

If you could meet anyone who is connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be?

"Meeting anyone at all who is connected to Roma can be a real pleasure for me but specifically I have always wanted to meet Francesco Totti."

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

"The sense of belonging the club gives you makes me very proud. Having had the chance to meet many Giallorossi fans from different cities in Morocco and from Italy as well, I can say that it is one big family. It is great to know that we all belong to Roma and share something beautiful in common. I have always been proud to be a Roma fan and like when people know that I am!"

Finally, what would be your perfect day as a Roma fan?

"Going to a match at the Stadio Olimpico, watching Roma win the Scudetto and then celebrating with the fans. I also dream about attending Il Capitano's last match and living that emotional moment together with the tifosi."