UAE-based fitness and nutrition expert Omar Al Duri has again been recruited to work with the Ghana national football team – this time at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
With their first game on Saturday, May 30 against Austria, the London-born UAE resident will ensure the team is in peak physical condition, through a specially-tailored training regime, physiotherapy and a strictly controlled diet.
Al Duri had previously worked with Ghana at this year’s African Youth Championships held in Senegal and became a fundamental part of the coaching staff.
Ghana’s highly-rated star Yaw Yeboah, who is in the youth team at Manchester City, is delighted to have Al Duri back in the Ghana camp at the World Cup.
“Omar has been great for us,” said Yeboah. “He has motivated us and trained our bodies to cope at the highest level. The confidence we have knowing our bodies are up for the fight is something not to be underestimated.
“We know, walking out on to that pitch, that we are fitter than the other team, which is a huge boost.
“He is part of this squad, not just in making sure we are in the best physical condition but a friend for all of us too, and that is important at tournaments like this.”
Al Duri, who coaches women and men’s football teams in the UAE, is delighted to be able to play his part in the team’s progress.
“For me, working with such a great bunch of lads is such a joy,” said Al Duri. “They are motivated, keen to impress and hard working.
“My job is about making sure they are in the best shape possible, and combined with their natural skill, this is a team that will go far in the competition.
“There are players in this squad who will be household names in the years to come, so it makes me enormously proud to play a part in their development and teach them the correct mentality about fitness and looking after yourself.”
Ghana are in Group B alongside Austria and Argentina at the 2015 edition of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and will play their group games in both Wellington and Auckland.
The 2015 Under-20 World Cup will see new champions being crowned, as holders France, who won the tournament in 2013, did not qualify for this year’s event.