By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Al-Merreikh FC Bentiu, South Sudan’s representative in the upcoming Council of East Africa and Central Africa Football Association (CEACAFA) club zonal competition has intensified its pre-season training sessions.
Coach Ramsey Sebit Lomoro revealed outline of their plans to No.1 Citizens Daily Newspaper in an interview after the team’s fifth training session.
“We have already embarked on training and will play friendly matches with selected Juba clubs before departing for Tanzania this week,” Sebit said.
Al-Merreikh FC, the reigning South Sudan National League champions, are using the friendlies to evaluate players and potentially strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Their first friendly match resulted in a convincing 5-1 victory against Ewaka FC.
“The next friendly match will likely be against Al-Ellen FC on Tuesday or Wednesday this week, though the fixture is yet to be confirmed. Our hope is to play at least one or two more friendlies before departing for Tanzania,” he added.
Al-Merreikh FC is also trying potential signings. Central defender Koulibaly from Mali and midfielder Ben from Ghana are currently training with the team with the possibility of signing contracts.
“Junior players from Uganda, Mali, and Ghana are also on trial. We’ll sign them if they meet our standards,” Sebit noted.
The club has already signed Pouk and Lat from the Bentiu Local Football League. Contract renewals are underway for goalkeeper Juma Genaro and midfielder Habibo Chol Peter, among others.
“The team is fully fit for the pre-season tours and CEACAFA competitions, except for Habibo Chol Peter,” Sebit informed. “He’s currently receiving treatment in Rwanda for an injury sustained on international duty and will rejoin the team in Tanzania.”