Zemm: My Blaze Fears For Mother

Apr 20 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

MEROUANE Zemmama has re-lived the horror moment when he feared his mum might be trapped in a fire while he was playing for Hibs just yards from the blaze.

The little Moroccan was on the pitch for Mixu Paatelainen's side against St Mirren a fortnight ago when he could see smoke coming from the area where he shares a flat with team-mate Abdessalam Benjelloun.

Zemmama's mother Fatima was in the house at the time, as she spent a week visiting her son in Scotland.

The 24-year-old didn't find out until after the match Fatima had been evacuated from the building as nearby flats, which were under construction, had been set alight.

Fire chiefs feared a giant crane could collapse at the site next to Easter Road.

Both Zema, Benji and Fatima were forced to lodge with another Hibs' star - Abderaouf Zarabi - for a week before being allowed to re-enter the flat.

As Merouane prepared for today's vital SPL showdown with Dundee United at Tannadice, he said: "During the game against St Mirren I saw the smoke from behind the stadium.

"My mum was in my flat so, for the last 15 minutes of the game, I was concerned about what might be happening.

"As soon as the game finished I phonedmy flat and nobody answered so I was even more worried about her.

"I thought the worst when she didn't answer.

"But the police had brought everyone out of the flats and I found her downstairs when I got home, which was a relief.

"My mum doesn't come to watch my games for Hibs - she prefers to watch them on TV.

"She's scared in case I get fouled and she runs down to the side of the pitch!

"But she has been over to visit me for a couple of weeks.

Thankfully Zarabi took us all into his house for the week while we were evacuated."

Midfielder Zemmama has been a revelation for the Hibees under new gaffer Mixu Paatelainen who has found a regular slot in his team for the African star.

Signed by ex-boss Tony Mowbray, Zemmama failed to impress John Collins and admits he considered leaving Edinburgh last season.

And even though he's been given a new lease of life under Paatelainen, the former Raja Casablanca star admits he still plans to use Hibs as a stepping stone to a bigger club.

Merouane said: "My aim when I came here was to move on to a bigger club.

"That's still my ambition now. The best is yet to come from me and hopefully I can produce that before this season ends.

"Mixu came in here with an open mind and there is now good communication between him and the players.

"We are getting results and hopefullywe can go on to grab third place in the SPL.

"I have more freedom to express myself but I also have to work harder.

"Since he arrived, I've been getting a regular game which has boosted my confidence.

"When you don't play every week, you think about leaving and that's what I felt last year.

"I have three years left on my contract and I'm happy here but if I have the chance to join a big club I'll take it."