UFL champions Al Wahda aim for Super Cup glory

DUBAI — Al Wahda’s assistant coach Joaquim Preto said their players are ready to prove that they are not the UFL champions for nothing when they take on the President’s Cup holders Emirates at Al Maktoum Stadium here on Friday in the Super Cup.

Published: Sat 21 Aug 2010, 12:52 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 3:54 AM

Kick off would be between 10pm and 10.15pm, according to the organisers.

The match is the traditional curtain raiser of the new season featuring the national league champions against the President’s Cup winners.

However, according to a statement which has been received from the UFL, the conference was supposed to be attended by the head coach and not his assistant. The organisers declined to give any explanation for the last minute change. “We have prepared well for the season,” the Maroon’s assistant coach said. “The game is very important for our campaign at the local, international and regional levels.

“Our immediate concern is to show that we are the true champions by winning the Super Cup. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy job for us just because of the fact that the Emirates have been relegated to the first division last season,” he said.

“We know our opponents very well. They are tough warriors and have knocked us out of the chase for the President’s Cup last season,” he added.

“With the exception of our full back Basheer Saeed and keeper Motaz Abdullah, all the other key players are ready to show the best of them,” he confirmed.

Speaking about Al Wahda’s three different challenges ahead, including local competitions, the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) and the AFC Champions League (ACL), Preto said they are going to handle them with confidence. “Right now the players are focused on the Super Cup and thereafter we will find out what course of action to follow. I understand that the season is not going to be easy at all. We have tough challenges in the CWC and the ACL, but there’s nothing to worry about. All facilities have been made available and the players know what to do and what to let,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Emirates coach Ghazi Al Grairi said that they know against whom they will be playing. And that they respect their opponents, but they do not fear them.

“We are not scared by the big names of the Maroons. I think we have a point to prove and everyone should know that the Emirates do not deserve the harsh relegation to the First Division,” he said.

The Emirates prepared for the season in Tunisia where they have played some interesting friendlies.

“We have played against the Libyan Olympic national team and three top premier league clubs in the North African country. That camp in Tunisia was more helpful for our team than going to Europe. The weather is very similar and we had the chance to play against competitive sides,” he said.

“It’s true that we have missed eight key players during the summer transfers window, but the club’s management reacted very quickly and made amendments. Our present team has a nice blend of experience and youth and hopefully we will be able to delight our supporters,” he concluded.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com