UAE hope to learn from U23 World Championship experience

Dubai: The UAE hope to get inspired and draw on the experience of playing against the best teams in the world as the hosts put the finishing touches to their preparations for the 2015 FIVB Men’s U23 World Championship, which will be held in Dubai from August 24 to 31.

The eight-day competition will be held at Al Nasr and Al Ahli Clubs and the UAE are hoping to take full advantage of facing some of the best teams from across the globe.

The hosts have been pitted in Pool A alongside Asian champions Iran, Italy, Cuba, South Korea and Egypt, while Pool B consists of defending champions Brazil along with Argentina, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and Tunisia.

Russia will take on Tunisia in the competition opener at Al Ahli at midday on Monday, while the UAE will feature in the final match of the opening day as they meet Iran at 8.30pm at Al Nasr.

The UAE’s Tunisian coach Murad Sannoun and his team have just returned from a gruelling three-week camp in Serbia.

During their stay, the UAE played five friendly matches. They secured convincing 3-0 wins against Red Star youth, Avalar and Proleter Zrenjanin, before going down to Pancevo 3-1 and signing off with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade last Wednesday.

Sannoun missed two day of training on their return due to an ailment, but is expected to be present for Saturday’s session.

“The idea was to expose our youngsters to a different style, so they can improve technically,” Sannoun was quoted saying by the official competition website.

“We are exposed to a different style of volleyball in the Gulf region. In Europe, Serbia are among the strongest teams and I am sure this is a huge learning curve for these youngsters.”

Egypt and Tunisia represent Africa, defending champions Brazil and Argentina will travel from South America and Cuba and Mexico will be the teams from the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA).

“These teams are the best of the best in the world and it will be our challenge to ensure we are competitive in this tournament. It will be a huge thing for us when we play at the World Championship. Our definite goal is to get better,” Sannoun added.