Sport | Football
Al Dhafrah hot for second top flight season in UAE Pro-League
Brimming with high morale, the delegation of Al Dhafrah football team left for their European training camp last night preparing for the UAE Pro-League which will kick off next month.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 23:35 August 3, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Brimming with high morale, the delegation of Al Dhafrah football team left for their European training camp last night preparing for the UAE Pro-League which will kick off next month.
Al Dhafrah, who succeeded in staying in the premiere division this season, have a lot to make them feel motivated. They have proven their capabilities throughout last season and survived as one of the top teams after winning promotion to the top league two years ago.
Egyptian coach Ayman Al Ramadi, architect of their success last season, told Gulf News, "We are optimistic to continue as one of the top teams in the premiere competition after we won this right last season."
Creating harmony
"We will work hard in the training camp to create the needed harmony and mutual understanding between the players, especially the new recruits, who we brought to add more strength and power to the team in the new season."
Al Dhafrah has signed deals with former Emirates club Iranian players Rasoul Khatibi and Mehdi Raj-abzadeh.
Khatibi will join his colleagues today after failing to catch the flight last night to Germany where the team will play 5 friendly matches before returning on August 25.
"I do believe that our new signings will add a much needed firepower to our team and we will be able to stay in the top flight in the new season," said Al Ramadi.
"We will, of course, play against the same teams we faced last season and our results make us feel optimistic.
"I expect the new Pro-League to be strong and thrilling and the teams will do their ever best to win the first title."
Al Ramadi concluded: "Frankly we know our capabilities and our aim is to stay with the top teams and avoid relegation."
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