Al Wahda delighted to represent UAE

Salem Khalifa Al Shamsi, a member of the board of directors of Al Wahda Football Company, said that the team's participation in the Arab Club Championship next week provides a good opportunity for new coach Laurentiu Reghecampf to get some vital intel about the players, so that he can devise strategies for the new season.

A 22-man Al Wahda squad left for Cairo, Egypt on Monday morning to take part in the Arab Club Championship, which kicks-off on in Alexandria on July 22. The tournament runs until August 5.

The tournament returns after a three-year break and consists of 12 clubs from the Middle East and Africa.

Al Wahda are in Group A along with Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly, Jordan Premier League champions Al Faisaly and Algeria's NA Hussein Dey. Record Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain were set to be the UAE's representatives in the competition but withdrew because of their commitments in the AFC Champions League. The Boss are in the quarterfinals of the Asian competition.

"We are delighted to represent the UAE in the Arab Club Championship and our presence will not only be for preparing for the new season but also gives us a good opportunity to test ourselves against some tough opponents. It is also a good chance for our coach Laurentiu Reghecampf to find out more about the players and get to know them more, in order to prepare plans and strategies for a hectic season ahead," Al Shamsi said on Tuesday.

"We wish the team success and we hope they can achieve the goals that have been set, going into this tournament. The competition is good for Arab football and it helps strengthen the bonds of love between the Arab brothers," he added.

After the Arab Club Championship, the squad will embark on their pre-season camp to Austria on August 8.

Captain Ismail Matar did not travel with the squad but will begin training with the UAE Olympic team players, who are currently taking part the AFC Under-23 qualifiers, in Abu Dhabu on August 4.

Meanwhile, team manager Abdul Basit Al Hammadi said that Brazilian midfielder Denilson, who spent the season on loan with Cruzeiro, couldn't travel with squad because the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) agreed to the participation of only four foreign players.

"The coaching staff was willing to give Denilson the chance to participate in the tournament, but the Arab federation only agreed to the participation of only four players," he said.

Al Wahda take on NA Hussein Dey on July 22 in their opening game at Al-Salam Stadium and then take on Al Ahly on July 25. They meet Al Faisaly in their last group fixture on July 28.

Source: Khaleej Times