Business & Money | Saturday 30 July, 2016 3:54 am |

The duFC Elite Team for Season 2015-16 came away victorious after their match against one of the top LaLiga youth teams – Granada C.F. in a thrilling 2-1 lead. 

 

The du Football Champions, the only international scouting platform in partnership with LaLiga was created to enable youth from across the UAE to pursue international football careers.  While in Spain coaches from LaLiga have been invited to attend the training and matches to scout for talents from the duFC Elite Team who demonstrate great potential and recruit them to play in top clubs of LaLiga.

 

Having undergone intensive 4-hour daily training sessions in the lead up to their match in Granada, the team, composed of duFC top talent and winners of the UAE Schools and Streets Cups, were well prepared physically, mentally and emotionally on the day and determined to win.  Training led by LaLiga coaches’ involved fitness drills, team strategy, tactical skills development and warmup matches.

 

Speaking after the match, LaLiga head coach Rafael Gil said, “We have been working with these talented players since March and today we are very proud of their superior performance.  They have worked hard, stayed focused and learned a lot in a short time which has led to a tremendous result today. Based on the level they played at today, I am certain that we will see more victories in the coming days and some future pro-players coming up the ranks in the team.”

 

The duFC Elite Team put in a dominant performance and worked as a solid unit, staying one step ahead of their opponents’ next move at all times.  With their fast paced play, crisp passes and defense holding firmly the first half ended with a duFC lead of 2-1 playing against a very strong LaLiga youth first division team Granada C.F.  The duFC Elite Team had everyone on the edge of their seats.  They were able to weave their way through the Granada team, creating 2 opportunities – the first with a fantastic pass from Iraqi to Hatem who hit the back of the net and the second an unforgettable assist from Hatem to Matni who hit the back of the net at the 42nd minute. 

 

A strong defense and superb goalie reflexes saw duFC able to hold their 2-1 lead through to the final whistle.

 

Team captain Bouherefa was overwhelmed with emotion after the match and said, ”Today I felt what it means to be a pro-footballer – being on that pitch with my team and having the 11 of us play so well together to achieve one goal was an amazing feeling.  And winning today means everything to us – we are more motivated then ever for the next match.”

 

The duFC elite team are now focusing their energies, training and playing in order to be on top form when  they meet Cordoba C.F on 29th June and the top LaLiga youth football team in Spain, Malaga CF on 30th July.  

 

Young goal scorer Hatem said, “It felt amazing to be part of the duFC starting team today – I am so proud of our win!”

 

Goal scorer Matni said, “We have been working hard on to be where we have to be in the box, and the great pass from Hatem made it easy – I put into practice everything we had learned and put the ball in the back of the net.  I am excited for the next match!”

 

The duFC players returns to the pitch in 2 days for the second leg of its four game set of International Friendlies on July 29th vs Cordoba CF and on July 30th vs. Malaga CF.