Al Mouj Muscat Marathon a big success

Record-breaking 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon a big success with international athletes Download

The record-breaking 2018 Al Mouj Muscat Marathon was hailed a huge success as thousands of runners filled the streets of Al Mouj from the early hours on Friday morning.

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A large international contingent of athletes welcomed the near perfect conditions, which saw many runners achieve personal best performances. The centrepiece Al Mouj Muscat Marathon event was won by Kenya’s Moses Too who completed the 42km course in 02:19:30, ahead of Anouar El Ghouz with another Kenyan, Gideon Kipgurui Kipsang, third. “I have raced other marathons and this one is very, very hard, but I am so grateful to have won it,” said Too after he crossed the finish line at the heart of the Al Mouj residence. “I am very happy to have won and it was my first time in Oman – it is a very special place, very beautiful, and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly.” The women’s marathon title was taken by Muscat resident Brtukan Adeba Berihun. She said: “It was a very nice race and I am very happy to be the winner. Muscat is a beautiful place to run and the people have been lovely, so welcoming.” And for eight-time marathon runner Manal Rostom the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon marked a new personal best performance. The high-profile Egyptian runner and mountaineer has been the figurehead of a global Nike-made athletes’ hijab campaign. “I just love how the (Oman) culture is evolving and the way they are introducing kids, expats or locals, everyone, to exercise more - today it was a perfect course with perfect scenery, and ideal for getting a personal best, so I am super-happy,” said the Dubai-based pharmacist and personal trainer. And she added: “At the moment I think there is an evolution happening in the Middle East with how Arab countries are taking up sports, they are taking it more seriously than ever. To have an international marathon, such as the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon that represents your country is super-awesome, it smashes stereotypes.” The Half-marathon event attracted a record 684 entries. Jordan’s Mohammad Alkhwaldeh won the men’s race in a time of 01:14:01 ahead of Omani runners Hilal Al Golandni and Mahmood Al Quraini. The women’s race was won by Anne Murvold from Norway. “I have only done two half-marathons before, so maybe I should do some more!,” said a delighted Murvold. “I started too fast and after 11kms I was thinking ‘how will I do this?’ - but when I turned on the course it was OK and I had the wind at my back, and that was much better, so I am very happy.” And she added: “It was fun racing on the golf course section, and Muscat is superb.” Meanwhile, British athlete Sarah Steer was frustrated in her attempt to reclaim her Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon pushing a double buggy when a wheel on the buggy holding her twin three-year-old sons Luke and Nathan failed 2kms into the race. “Today wasn’t the day – but I have held the record once so I am OK with that,” she said. “Muscat is great, and people have been so friendly, it is such a nice place to be.” In the 10km event victory in the women’s race went to Muscat resident and physiotherapist Dawn Meredith-Davies. “It was a bit of a mad dash out to the front at the beginning but then I kept it steady – you have to have a target and I just kept going at that, though I had a great race with the woman who came second,” said Meredith-Davies, who runs with the Muscat Road Runners, founders of the Muscat Marathon in 2012. The men’s 10km was won by Omani runner Abdullah Al-Quraini in a time of 00:33:55, ahead of Ahmed Al-Amri and Omar Al-Hmrashdi. Meanwhile, the 5km Charity Fun Run in support of The Oman Diabetes Association saw 1099 runners taking part and was won by Muscat’s Amjad Alshkaili, with Kate McDonald the fastest woman. Also taking part was Belgian runner Edwige Van Den Assem, who at 73 was the oldest athlete competing in the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon festival of running. “I may be the oldest runner here but I don’t feel it – running makes me feel 10 years younger, gives me a lot of social contacts and I aim to keep on doing it. I like running because it keeps me healthy and I am a very active woman,” said Edwige, who only took up running when she retired 10 years ago. “I will be 74 in December and hopefully will be back to run the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon again next year. I have just bought new running shoes, so I won’t be hanging them up any time soon!” The prize-giving was held following racing with guest of honour His Highness Sayed Mohammed bin Salim bin Ali Al Said, ambassador and chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate. David Graham, CEO of event organiser Oman Sail, said: “Great congratulations are due to all the runners who competed in – and completed - this year’s Al Mouj Muscat Marathon festival of running. “We were especially thrilled with the diversity of nationalities taking part and the enormous interest that we’ve seen from people of all ages and ability to participate in what is now a truly international event. “The Al Mouj Muscat Marathon has proven to be an excellent platform to get people active and to promote the Sultanate of Oman as the ultimate adventure tourism destination. We are on the right path and look forward to working with our partners to grow the event further in 2019.” The seventh edition of the Muscat Marathon saw a record-breaking number of 6094 entries across all race categories with runners from 87 countries including India, Britain, the Philippines, France, South Africa and the US. In the run-up to the festival world running’s international governing body AIMS – the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races – formally recognised the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon for the first time. Driven by Tanfeedh and organised by Oman Sail, the Oman Athletic Association (OAA) and the Muscat Road Runners, and with the active support of title sponsor Al Mouj Muscat, official partners Carrefour, BP, Aquafina and Topfruit, and official suppliers Omantel, The Wellness Centre and DB Schenker, the event has gone from strength to strength to become the highlight of the Oman sporting calendar. Yesterday, an extraordinary 2374 children – aged from seven to 12 years-old – took part in the Kids’ Run. Dozens of schools took part, with the Al Seeb International School winning the Most Active School in Oman trophy and 1000 OMR in gym equipment. Check out day #1 of the Al Mouj Muscat Marathon, the Kids Day, here: https://www.facebook.com/MuscatMarathon/

TRANSPARENCY CORE TO THE FUTURE OF VOLLEYBALL

TRANSPARENCY CORE TO THE FUTURE OF VOLLEYBALL
 

Lausanne, Switzerland, January 19, 2018 – During his meeting with the FIVB Legal Commission, President Dr. Ary S. Graça F° spoke of the importance of good governance and transparency throughout all areas of the sport.

Volleyball is considered one of the most popular sports in the world, having been the most watched competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, according to official IOC data. However, President Graça urged his colleagues to be vigilant as the FIVB continues to work towards being the world’s number one family sport.

"The world of sport in radically changing, and we need to continue working with a fresh mentality for the benefit of our sport. Throughout our Commissions meetings, it is so important that we talk about good governance at the FIVB," President Graça said. "I want to make sure that everything we do is transparent, so there can be no doubting the integrity of volleyball, beach volleyball, or the FIVB as a federation."

In November 2015, the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) created a Governance Task Force to support International Federations in their provision for a healthy governance culture. FIVB Secretary General Fernando Lima is a member of the Task Force, which reinforces the FIVB's commitment to leading the way on transparency.

"We are constantly working to improve the FIVB’s regulations, learning from other models of good governance, both within sport and outside," Lima said. "It is our responsibility as an International Federation to serve the sport that we love, and that is why meeting as a Commission is so valuable."

Over the next two weeks, several Commissions will gather in Lausanne to discuss each area of the FIVB's governance. The Commissions meetings conclude on January 31, 2018.

Leaders unite at Securing Sport 2018 and call for new approach to safeguard sport

Leaders unite at Securing Sport 2018 and call for new approach to safeguard sport

• Securing Sport 2018 co-hosted by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and The McCain Institute with the support of Qatar Chamber
• Top experts highlight urgent need for multi-sector collaboration to combat growing security and integrity challenges in sport

Washington D.C., USA; 20 January 2018: Leaders and international experts from the field of sport safety, security and integrity gathered at Securing Sport 2018 in Washington D.C this week to highlight the importance of a united approach to protecting sport as well as the urgent need to establish strong multi-sector partnerships to combat the emerging threats in sport safety, security and integrity.

Under the theme of ‘The Business of Protecting the Future of Sport’, Securing Sport 2018 brought together executives and experts from around the world to address key security and integrity issues facing sport and to explore business opportunities associated with major event security, sport governance and integrity and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Organised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and The McCain Institute and with the support of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Securing Sport 2018 featured speakers and panellists from a range of international organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Center for SafeSport, World Bank, Sport Radar USA and the NFL Players’ Association.

Speaking at the opening, Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS Chairman, said:“Sport is an unparalleled economic, social, and cultural force. Yet, it is under attack like never before.

“When I established the ICSS nearly eight years ago, I envisaged a world where sport is free from corruption and where stadia and major events were safe and secure for all.

“Through the ICSS and forums like Securing Sport 2018, which gather top international experts from all sectors and corners of the world, I am passionate about making this vision a reality however, if we are to achieve this, it is urgent that we stand together, collaborate and bring together different sectors and expertise to confront the growing threats facing the security and integrity of sport.”

U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue added: “Sport is important to a nation’s culture, identity, and often, its economy. To maintain a vibrant sports industry, we have to answer some big questions. Most critically, we must seek ways to ensure the safety and security of fans, athletes, and employees at sporting events. Because for many, sport is not just a pastime, it’s a passion that they should be able to safely enjoy. Thank you to the ICSS and the McCain Institute for their partnership in bringing together today’s special event. Let’s continue working together to grow and strengthen this vital industry.”

Under the overall conference theme, representatives from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy also attended the event and provided an update on the latest progress and developments on stadia and infrastructure currently being built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as well as safety and security measures being put in place for the tournament.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “The safety of everyone attending or participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup is our top priority. We’re determined to not only deliver the greatest, but also the safest and most secure FIFA World Cup ever and to leave a lasting positive legacy for the region.

“Qatar is already one of the safest countries in the world, making it a popular tourist destination. However, with almost 1.7m fans due in 2022, our Security Committee, headed by H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, has left no stone unturned in finding and eliminating potential threats.

“From the numerous cooperation agreements put in place with international institutions, including INTERPOL and the ICSS, to enhance the effectiveness of our security initiatives, to the regular observation programmes we conduct to other mega-events, safety and security will remain of the utmost importance to the SC to ensure the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar is as enjoyable and exciting as it is safe in five years’ time.”

Al Mannai: Qatar Chamber supports ICSS to achieve sports integrity.

As part of Qatar Chamber’s support for the event, QC’s Board Member Adel Al Mannai attended on behalf of the chairman HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani and expressed the Chamber's thank to the ICSS, the US Chamber and the McCain Institute for hosting a very vital event that sought mechanisms of protecting and securing sports worldwide.

He affirmed the Chamber's commitment to supporting events adopted by the ICSS which made great efforts since its establishment 9 years ago, as well as praising the session’s contents, noting they touched key issues in the field of securing sports.

Experts and sports stars highlight technology and integrity issues in sport

In one of the opening sessions of the day, entitled ‘How Technology and Innovation Provide Safety and Security’, Shaun McCarthy (CEO, ICSS Enterprise) led a panel of technology experts to discuss the role of technology in sport and how it can play a key role in protecting major sport events.

During the panel, experts discussed the important relationship between people and technology as well as how greater trust is needed in the new and developing technologies now available to governments and other host cities and nations in securing major sport events.

Later in the day, Emanuel Medeiros (CEO, ICSS INSIGHT) moderated the ‘Safeguarding the Integrity of Sport’ panel featuring senior figures from USADA, SportRadar USA, NFL Players’ Association and the World Bank. Panellists debated the impact of legalised sport betting in the United States, as well as the need to educate more athletes about the dangers of doping and match-fixing, including through the use of mobile platforms and applications like the ICSS’s Trusted Athlete app that is currently under development.

Securing Sport 2018 also included a number of highly emotive panels and speeches from high-profile sport stars, international experts and senior figures from US government and other sectors of civil society throughout the day.

Speaking on the ‘Protecting Our Youth in Sport’ panel, moderated by Michael Hershman (Group CEO, ICSS), Shellie Pfohl (CEO, U.S. Center for SafeSport) passionately shared her insight’s about the role her organisation plays in protecting young athletes in the United States and encouraged more efforts at a regional and international level to help educate parents and athletes about best practice in safeguarding young athletes, as well as how to identify and prevent cases of abuse in sport.

In addition, Dikembe Mutombo (NBA legend and President of the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation) also spoke about his experiences growing up as young athlete in Congo and arriving in the United States. He was joined by Mary Harvey (U.S. Department of State Sports Envoy, Former U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper and Special Advisor - Sustainability at United Bid 2026), who spoke about how human rights is playing an increasingly important and central role in major events and within the governance of sport.

Mohammed Hanzab, ICSS Chairman concluded: “At a time where much of the focus is on the financial growth and commercialisation of sport, Securing Sport 2018 has provided an important and unique platform for leaders and top international experts to come together to identify real solutions to protect and safeguard sport.

“On behalf of the ICSS, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the U.S. Chamber and the McCain Institute for co-hosting Securing Sport 2018 and to our friends and partners at the Qatar Chamber for their support of the ICSS and Save the Dream and helping to bring together some of the world’s top executives and businessmen together for this forum.”

For more info about the ICSS and its various products and services in the sport safety, security and integrity, please visit www.theicss.org.

Karate training on Benaulim beach by Agnelo Rodrigues in Indian state of...

K.A.S. Eupen concludes training camp at Aspire Academy

Belgian football club

K.A.S. Eupen concludes training camp at Aspire Academy

• Coach Claude Makélélé and Aspire Academy’s coaches meet to discuss coaching methodologies on the last day of K.A.S. Eupen’s training camp

Belgian Pro League side, K.A.S. Eupen, which is owned by Aspire Zone Foundation, has successfully concluded its fourth successive winter training camp at Aspire Academy on Monday. The training camp, which took place during the players’ winter break from professional league matches, was organised to prepare the team for the second half of the 2017-2018 season, which resumes next Saturday, 20^th January.

On the last day of the training camp, Aspire Academy hosted a joint session between the Academy football coaches and K.A.S. Eupen’s Head Coach, Claude Makélélé, the former prolific Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, to discuss youth football development and training methodologies.

Speaking about the transition from player to coach, Makélélé said: “When you become coach and have responsibility towards your players, you need to start seeing things from a different perspective and adopt a new set of skills beyond the ones you had as a player.  What’s also important is that you keep learning from your experiences and from the players you manage.”

When dealing with the players, Makélélé advised: “Be honest and clear with your players about how you arrive at the decisions you make about them. In training, when you notice a player making a mistake, pause the session and give them some feedback, and if possible, demonstrate the skill and ask other players to join. It’s also important that you listen to the players’ thoughts and concerns.”

He added: “Whilst it’s important that you play together as a coherent team, each player has a unique set of skills and abilities and a good coach knows how to nurture and utilise them in the best way. It’s the coach’s job to teach his young players self-discipline and responsibility. That is why coaches should encourage players to put in extra hours in training to hone their skills and work on their weaknesses.”

With a squad of 24 players, K.A.S Eupen features a number of Aspire Academy graduates including Abdollah Ali Saei and Ahmed Homam Elamin. Their fellow Qatari teammates at the club-Akram Afif, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, Youssef Aymam Farahatand and Assim Madibo-are currently on international duty with Qatar’s U-23 team at the U-23 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championships in China. The young players have enjoyed a successful run at the championship so far, winning the first three matches against Uzbekistan, Oman and China.

Aspire Academy coaches used the opportunity to speak with Makélélé to check in on the progress of their former students. Makélélé shared: “It’s evident that Aspire Academy left its mark on all of these players and that is a testament to your [Aspire Academy’s coaches] capabilities. I’ve been teaching Assim Madibo to observe how his teammates play so that he can start anticipating other players’ movements on the field to help him make informed decisions during the game. Being able to do that will be key to any midfielder’s success.”

He continued: “Abdulkarim Hassan is a strong defender, but he often takes on an attacking position rather than a defensive one. I’m currently working with him on how to maintain balance between the two. For example, I draw lines on the pitch and I restrict him from going beyond those lines, so he’s not tempted to go out and start attacking up front. The ultimate goal is that he starts making better judgment on when best to use his attacking abilities, whilst remaining true to his main responsibility, which is to defend well.”

He concluded: “It’s obvious that Akram Afif has talent. Right now, I’m helping him hone his attacking skills and how to play better as a team to score more goals.”

Before they concluded their training camp, the Belgian squad held team building exercises in Aspire Academy’s School Green Area and played a friendly match against Chinese Super League’s Guangzhou Evergrande, who are also holding their mid-season training camp at the Academy. The match ended in a 2-0 win for the Belgian team.

NBA Champion Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton talks about Qatar

Masterclasses on Sport Communications at NU-Q

Masterclasses on Sport Communications at NU-Q

Doha, Qatar – – Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) has announced three one-day masterclasses as part of its executive education program in sport communication. The program – The Changing Business of Sport and Sport Communications – will serve as a link for professionals who want to begin or enhance a career in sport communication and will focus on media, marketing, and law.

All of the masterclasses will be held at NU-Q’s new building in Education City. The first, scheduled for February 10^th is “Media Old and New, and the Transformation of World Sport”; the second, “Sport Law and Governance – The Rules that Regulate Sport Organizations” will be held on February 17^th; and the third, “Using Sport Marketing to Influence the Growth of Business and Sport,” on February 24^th.

“Over the past several years, NU-Q has broadened its programming to include more courses on sport and the media, which has proven to be very successful. Due to Qatar’s continued growth in this sector, which will require increased numbers of journalists prepared to cover international sporting events, we plan to continue to offer programming that will enhance that growth,” said Everette E. Dennis, dean and CEO.

The first seminar, taught by NU-Q Professor Craig LaMay, an expert in sports journalism, will examine what industry scholars refer to as “mediasport,” its current and future prospects, with special attention to the sports media landscape of Qatar and the Middle East. This will also include innovations in virtual and augmented reality, over-the-top sports content, e-sports, athlete-created media, fantasy sports, and big data. “With media mega-events like the World Cup and the Olympics moving their competitions from North America and Europe to Asia, including Qatar, these changes have also changed the job of sport journalists, and given rise to new and critical forms of sports journalism that don’t keep score, but rather cover the role sports play in social and economic development, and in shaping international human and civil rights norms,” LaMay said. LaMay, who is currently on leave from his position as associate professor at Northwestern’s Medill School, is in residence at NU-Q until 2019. In Evanston and Doha, he teaches a class on sport communication – “Sport, Media and Society: Less Than War But More Than a Game." 

The second seminar on sports governance and media law will be taught by Fordham University Professor Mark Conrad, author of The Business of Sports, and will discuss, compare, and analyze many of the key legal concepts that govern international sports, an industry that until recently has largely governed itself, with minimal involvement of national authorities anywhere. Conrad is the president of the Alliance for Sport Business, 2016-18; and past president, Sport and Recreation Law Association, 2014-2015.

“Part of Qatar’s sport strategy is to situate itself as a big player in global sports governance,” said LaMay. “The country realizes that with such decisions – like making beIN Sports one of the largest sports media operators or hosting large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup – the local media sector will have to transform as well. NU-Q plans to be at the forefront of good sports media by educating journalists on media law and ethics in the region.”

The last seminar, taught by Northwestern University Professor Candy Lee, will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in sports marketing, which runs the spectrum from crisis communication on player behavior to ticket-pricing strategies for teams having a bad season. Lee was Teacher of the Year in 2012 for Integrated Marketing Communications at the Medill School at Northwestern and previously served as vice president of marketing at The Washington Post. The course will also consider traditional areas of marketing through the lens of sports and entertainment, and will include video interviews, examples, case studies, and discussion activities.

February’s masterclasses will be offered to individuals with undergraduate degrees and a minimum of one to two years of professional experience. A certificate in Sport Communication will be awarded for completion of all three masterclasses.

Each of the workshops will also include a luncheon speaker. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.qatar.northwestern.edu/education/executive/index.html

or email to exec.ed@qatar.northwestern.edu

-ENDS-

About Northwestern University in Qatar

Northwestern University in Qatar draws from its parent organization, Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), a distinguished history, famous programs and an exceptional faculty. Founded in partnership with Qatar Foundation, NU-Q provides a framework through which students explore the world and, ultimately, shape its future through its distinguished schools of communication, journalism and strategic communication, and liberal arts.

Football: Tunisia target round two in Russia

Football: Tunisia target round two in Russia

Doha: Tunisia — returning to the FIFA show piece event after a 12-year hiatus — has a difficult task ahead of them at this year’s World Cup in Russia as they aim to get past the group stages, feels coach Nabil Maâloul.

Tunisia has not made it past the knockout stages in their previous four appearances at the World Cup. Maâloul admitted his team has a tough task on hand in Russia with Belgium ranked number five in the world and England at 15 in the group along with Panama.

“We have tough teams to compete against in the group-stages. We’ll be ready. We have good players and we’re preparing very hard to increase our chance of advancing (beyond the group-stages),”said Maâloul, while speaking yesterday during the team’s winter training camp at Aspire Zone Foundation.

“We’re confident that everyone will do their best. We are constantly contacting various regional and European clubs to get some of the other Tunisian players to join the team,” he added.

Making their debut in 1978, the Tunisians beat Mexico and drew with West Germany, but failed to make it out of the group stage. In subsequent three occasions they failed to get past the preliminary group stages.

“The English national football team has very decorated players, including the likes of Sterling and Harry Kane, and the Belgian team will also be tough get through, because they have a more offensive style of play than the English team, and they focus on individual skills as well,” coach Maâloul said.

Talking about Tunisia’s ambition in Russia, he said: “With the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia five months away, our purpose is to make sure we put on an honourable performance that will make Tunisians and all Arabs proud, that’s our goal. To do that, we need to change the mentality of the players and equip them with a professional attitude to prepare them emotionally for the competition. We have the Tunisian team’s best interest at heart, and we choose what we think is the best for them.”

Maâloul spoke highly of their training camp facilities at Aspire Zone, and said: “This isn’t our first time in Aspire, we’ve entered a previous training camp in 2013.”

“We’re fortunate to have been given the opportunity from Aspire Zone and the Tunisian Football Federation to come here for training. The training camp has been successful on all levels. It’s great to be able to have access to such world-class facilities, and medical and hospitality services that are perfectly placed in one place,” said Maaloul as the curtains came down on the 15-day winter training camp at the Aspire Zone.

“Aspire Zone has provided us with everything we need, and the training was made even better thanks to the amazing weather. The facilities in Aspire Zone are unlike any other in the world, and it is one of the best in the entire world. We’re very happy with the support we’ve received from the people in Qatar, and particularly the Tunisian residents who were keen to attend our training session for support,” he added.

Maaloui was joined by goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, the team’s captain, Aspire Zone’s Chief Marketing Officer Mohammed Mubarak Al Kuwari, and Ibrahim Hilal, Head of Federations and Clubs Events at the press conference.

“We’ve been in Doha for 15 days and everyone’s been very pleased with our time here. We’re currently focusing on honing our technical skills and get the necessary medical assessments completed to ensure we’re as fit as we can be,” said Mathlouthi.

“We’re honoured to have the Tunisian national team train here at Aspire, and we congratulate them on their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification,” said Al Kuwari.

When asked to give his opinion on the performance of Qatar’s youth football team, who are currently competing at the 2018 the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship, Maâloul, said: “The Olympic national team’s excellent run at the AFC-U23 championship [having topped their group-stage with three wins against Uzbekistan, Oman and China] was made possible because the youth team has been practicing and entering training camps together for years, so they’re more accustomed to each other’s style of play. Their coach is also doing a great job. The team has some very key players, and 80% of them are expected to be seen representing Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.”

Eupen coach Makélélé stress on ‘staying positive’

 Eupen coach Makélélé stress on ‘staying positive’

KAS Eupen coach Claude Makélélé has stressed the importance of ‘staying positive’ for the second half of the season for the challenges ahead.

The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder assumed responsibility as coach at Aspire Academy owned KAS Eupen from Jordi Auli Condom last November. Under his supervision, the team has enjoyed a recent run of positive results but is battling hard to remain to avoid relegation.

With a squad of 24 players, including Qatari international Abdulkarim Hassan, KAS Eupen features a number of Aspire Academy graduates including Abdollah Ali Saei and Ahmed Homam Elamin. Their fellow Qatari teammates at the club Akram Afif, Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, Youssef Aymam Farahatand and Assim Madibo, are currently on international duty with Qatar’s U-23 team at the U-23 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championships in China.

Speaking about the performance of the Qatari players at Eupen, Makélélé Said: “They’ve been doing really well. There’s still more to be done to help them grow as players and play their part in the Qatar national football team. But I think their experience with KAS Eupen will help them develop the right outlook and attitude.”

Hassan, a regular with the Qatar national team, acknowledged that there’s increasing pressure on the Qatari national team to perform well at major competitions as the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar draws near.

 “As Qatari players, we experience pressure during major tournaments because there is an expectation on us to achieve good results. Especially since we’ll soon be representing Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” Hassan said.

“The pressure will always be there. All we can do is give our all inorder to achieve the best possible result we can, and hope for the best. Thankfully, organisations like Aspire Academy support our development by, for example, giving us opportunities to join and train with international clubs like K.A.S Eupen. Our Olympic football team is currently performing really well at the AFC U-23 championship and I wish them the best of luck in their match against China on Monday,” he added.

Speaking about his experience at KAS Eupen, Abdulkarim said: “It’s definitely a different set up to that which we had at Al Sadd SC. But it’ll be a good learning experience that’ll help improve my game in the future, and which in turn will benefit the national team. I like challenges, and I’m ready to fight for my dreams.”

Meanwhile Belgian goalkeeper, Hendrik Van Combrugge, who returns to Aspire Academy this year for the fifth time, said: “One of the key benefits of this winter training camp is that it gives us time to recover mentally and physically by taking some distance away from Belgium and our daily routine. The time we spend here is perfect for us as players as we benefit from sessions with the coaches where we really get to have some quality time with them. Since we arrived, we’ve had training sessions two or three times each day.”

The team has recently signed 23-year-old Japanese striker Yuta Toyokawa who transferred from Leeds United on loan.

Speaking about his new player, Makélélé praised Toyokawa’s willingness to listen and learn and said that he expects good things from the young striker. He added that playing in the Belgian Pro League will be excellent experience for him against bigger, more experienced players.

Yesterday, KAS Eupen played a friendly against Chinese Super League side, Guangzhou Evergrande, who are also holding their mid-season training camp at the Academy

The press conference was attended by Chief Advisor of International Football Affairs at Aspire Zone Foundation and KAS Eupen FC Board member Andreas Bleicher, KAS Eupen’s Director General Christoph Henkel, Director of Finance, Legal and Administration Thomas Herbert and Marketing and Merchandising Manager Andre Palm.