Exclusive interview with Hamza Errouass: a legacy etched in the history of Dina Kenitra
Hamza Errouass (or Rouhass), the 32-year-old former Dina Kenitra player who proudly represented the club across all Moroccan futsal leagues for many years, recently shared an update with the Dina Kenitra editorial team. Now playing for Hérouville Futsal in France, Errouass looked back on his remarkable nine-year journey with the club and reflected on his current chapter in Division 1 of French futsal.
A key figure in Dina Kenitra's history
It’s impossible to talk about Dina Kenitra’s history without mentioning key names like Hamza Errouass. He wore the number 7 and number 11 jerseys and is the most capped player in the club's history. Joining the team during its inaugural season in 2011, Errouass quickly established himself as a pivotal player. After four seasons in the Gharb League, he contributed to the team’s historic promotion to Futsal D2 and then to Futsal D1, the highest level of Moroccan futsal, in consecutive seasons. This was a first for Dina Kenitra, achieved under the leadership of coach Driss Talmoust and club president Moussa Talmoust.
Having left Dina Kenitra in early 2024, Errouass joined Elsass Pfastatt in France’s Division 2 before moving to Hérouville Futsal for the 2024-2025 season. His move to Europe coincided with that of Ayoub El Ouandouri, another key figure in the history of Dina Kenitra. On adjusting to European futsal, he said: “I came here with Ayoub (El Ouandouri). We’ve been friends since 2009, back before Dina Kenitra. Having him with me made things much easier for both of us. The club’s excellent support structure also played a big role in helping us settle in.”
Current goals and aspirations
On his experience this season, Hamza shared: “There are several Moroccans here at Hérouville, which makes communication much easier.” Individually, he remains focused on maintaining peak performance: “My goal is to keep pushing myself, train hard, and maybe even make it back to the national team. I still have a strong desire to play, improve, and give my best. Another dream of mine is to compete in the Champions League at the club level.”
Despite his international journey, Dina Kenitra remains close to his heart. He continues to maintain ties with several people from the club, especially coach Driss Talmoust. “I’m still in touch with Driss. Everything I am today is thanks to him. Without him, I wouldn’t even be playing futsal. This man sacrificed so much of his time, even his life, to provide us with the best opportunities. I’ll always be grateful to him,” Errouass shared.
The making of a futsal professional
Errouass’s journey into professional futsal began in 2009 when Driss Talmoust scouted him during a tryout at Biranzaran in Kenitra. At the time, he was a 17-year-old amateur with no formal futsal experience. “Driss took me under his wing and taught me the fundamentals of futsal. He helped me transition from being a street player to a professional. Without him, I would have remained just a neighborhood footballer,” Errouass reflected.
Prior to his discovery, Errouass had played football at Tahadi Kenitra and spent a brief stint at KAC Kenitra’s youth academy, but he never felt at home in football. His transition to futsal opened new doors and eventually led him to represent the Moroccan national team.
Representing Morocco on the international stage
Hamza Errouass made his debut for the Moroccan national futsal team in 2017, playing his first matches during the Porec Tournament in Croatia in March 2018, where Morocco emerged victorious. He scored against Istria and also played against Moldova during the tournament.
Errouass holds national team coach Hicham Dguig in high regard: “My relationship with Dguig is excellent. He’s someone who constantly motivates his players and instills the belief that hard work is the only path to success. When he tells you to keep working, you can feel the sincerity in his words. It’s inspiring.”
This belief in hard work proved crucial for Errouass, especially after a serious knee injury in the 2020-2021 season (lateral ligament sprain) sidelined him for six months. Despite the setback, he never considered quitting. “I had strong mental resolve and self-motivation to come back stronger. After months of intense training, I earned my call-up to the national team,” he said.
On the recent World Cup in Uzbekistan, where Morocco was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Brazil (1-3), Errouass praised the team’s performance: “Injuries to key players like Bilal Bakkali and Youssef Jouad made things difficult, but the team’s journey was still remarkable. Beating Iran, one of the favorites, was a huge achievement. Facing Brazil is never easy—they’re the best in the world, with players at the highest level.”
A message to young players
Hamza Errouass remains deeply connected to Dina Kenitra, following the club’s development in both youth and women’s categories. He believes Dina Kenitra is the best place in Morocco to learn futsal. “At Dina, you’re taught futsal the right way. The training is professional, and players develop discipline and improve quickly. It’s a club that prepares you to become a high-level athlete,” he stated.
To aspiring players, Errouass offers this advice: “Set your goals and dedicate time to them. Work hard. Don’t skip training and expect results. And ignore negativity from others. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly—it might take a year, two years, or even longer, but you’ll get there.”
He also emphasizes the importance of patience and making smart decisions: “Futsal is a sport where physical and mental strength are essential. Never stop learning and improving, no matter your level.”
With nearly a decade at Dina Kenitra, Hamza Errouass remains a legend of the club. His story is one of dedication, perseverance, and passion for futsal. As he continues his career in France, Errouass carries the values and lessons learned at Dina Kenitra, inspiring future generations of Moroccan futsal players.
