Mohammad Abdullah, a Senior Sports Reporter who covers major global sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, Cricket World Cup, and Formula One, reports that the UAE Pro League officially returns to action this Friday.
Al Nasr and Ittihad Kalba are set to get the ball rolling as the new season explodes into action. The opening day will feature two matches, with the second game between Al Wahda and Ajman scheduled for 8:45pm at Al Nahyan Stadium.
Al Nasr finished the previous season in the sixth spot, five places above their rivals Kalba. Both clubs are now looking for a fresh start. Serbian head coach Milos Milojevic confirmed that Al Nasr are ready to begin their campaign on a positive note with a win against Kalba at Al Maktoum Stadium.
Milojevic noted that the team is looking forward to making a strong start, especially with the opening game being played at home in front of their supporters. “The opening match is always challenging, but our objective is to secure all three points and deliver a strong performance in front of our fans at home,” Milojevic said.
The coach added that the team had a productive pre-season training camp in Austria, where they played four friendly matches of varying levels. He emphasized that the camp helped players improve their fitness and overall performance ahead of the competitive season, noting the importance of remaining focused from the first round to turn preparations into a winning start.
Al Nasr goalkeeper Ahmed Shambieh also backed the squad’s determination to deliver a successful campaign. “Our objective is to win our opening match at home and deliver a strong performance that makes our fans proud. We are aiming for a better and different season, taking it one game at a time as we work towards achieving our ambitions,” Shambieh stated.
Meanwhile, Kalba are entering the new season with a fresh look, having bolstered their squad with several key signings as they prepare to launch an assault on the title. The club recently roped in left-back Alejandro Vergaz, a move intended to strengthen the team and enhance the coaching staff’s tactical options.
The club also bolstered their defence with the signing of French defender Ibrahim Cisse for one season. Cisse is expected to play a vital role in the backline, as Kalba have historically been notorious for leaking too many goals. The club has expressed hope that these new additions will make a valuable contribution to achieving their goals.
In the evening’s other fixture, Al Wahda and Ajman will look to start the season with a victory. Al Wahda coach Pericles Chamusca is confident of a winning start against Ajman, who finished the last season in seventh spot, two places behind Al Wahda.
Al Wahda enters the match with high confidence, having defeated Pro League champions Al Ain in the ADIB Cup final. Coach Chamusca stated, “This is our first match of the season against Ajman and the result will reflect on our preparation during the break. I am very happy with what players showed during our pre-season camp in Germany and I have a great trust in players. We are looking forward to starting on a winning note and building success gradually.”
Kalba Club roped in left-back Alejandro Vergaz to their squad, as part of the Tigers’ preparations for the 2026-2027 season.
Al Wahda did not finish the last season trophy-less like their counterpart Ajman.
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