Founded in 1926, the club takes its name from the famous Austrian club Rapid Vienna, who visited the small city of Oued Zem during the time of colonial occupation.
For many years after independence, Rapide languished in the lower echelons of Moroccan football, but gradually made their way up the ladder until the 2016-17 season, when they won the second-tier Botola 2 and were promoted to the top flight.
Rapide have finished 10th, 10th and 9th in the Botola over the last three years, but now, with Fertout at the helm, they have loftier ambitions.
As a player, 50 year-old Fertout won three Moroccan titles and the CAF Champions League in 1992 with Casablanca-based Wydad Athletic Club and played several seasons in Portugal with Belenenses and in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar.