Abu Dhabi: Preparing for next season, Al Dhafrah club have renewed the contract of their head coach and six players.

Egyptian coach Ayman Al Ramadi and players Mohammad Omar, Gharib Harib, Jumaa Khater, Abdul Basit Mohammad, Khairy Khalfan and the team's captain Mohammad Salem's contracts were renewed.

Ahmad Omran Al Qubeissi, the secretary general of the club, told Gulf News that the club is thinking about next season in which they look forward to being one of the teams in the Pro-League.

"We have to think about next season early and prepare for it from now."

Qualified

"We cannot wait for the last minute to start planning. Next season is a big challenge not only for us but for all the teams which will take part in the Pro-League.

"It is true that we were not included in the list of eight teams that qualified for the Pro-League but we are working hard to finish the requirements of the Asian Football Confederation."

Al Dhafrah are placed ninth in the standings with 21 points and need to win more points to stay away from the relegation zone because if they were relegated then they will not take part in the Pro-League.

Coach Al Ramadi took over during the season and has succeeded in transforming the team to giant killers by winning points from the big teams including Al Wahda, Al Wasl, Al Shaab and Sharjah.

Al Dhafrah are placed ninth in the standings with 21 points and need to win more points to stay away from the relegation zone...