Kerala Blasters FC, one of India's most beloved football clubs, is gearing up for an exciting pre-season tour in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team will embark on an eleven-day training camp from September 5th to September 16th, 2023, in the UAE. This tour will not only provide the players an opportunity to adapt to a new environment but also evaluate the team's performance ahead of the upcoming season. Additionally, Kerala Blasters FC will play three friendly matches against UAE Pro-League clubs during their stay in the UAE.
Training Camp and Friendly Matches
The Kerala Blasters FC team will undergo an intensive training camp during their stay in the UAE. This camp will serve as the final stage of their pre-season preparations, ensuring that the players and staff are in peak condition for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.
As part of their pre-season tour, Kerala Blasters FC will engage in three friendly matches against prominent UAE Pro-League clubs. The first friendly match will take place on September 9th against Al Wasl FC at Zabeel Stadium. On September 12th, the Blasters will face Sharjah Football Club at the Sharjah Football Stadium. Finally, on September 15th, the team will go head-to-head with Al Ahly, the reigning Pro League champions, at Shahab Al Ahli Stadium Al Avir Dubai.
Fan Engagement in the Middle East
Kerala Blasters FC boasts a passionate fan base, not only in India but also in the Middle East. This pre-season tour presents an excellent opportunity for the club to connect with its fans residing in the UAE. It allows the fans to witness their beloved team in action and strengthens the bond between the club and its supporters.
Indo-Arab Football Partnership
H16 Sports, a prominent sports organization, expressed their enthusiasm for hosting Kerala Blasters FC's pre-season training camp. The chairman of H16 Sports, Hasan Ali Ibrahim Al Balushi, emphasized that the growth of football is their long-term goal. He also highlighted the significance of the partnership in promoting Indo-Arab football, uniting top clubs, training facilities, and a global fan base. The collaboration with H16 Sports signifies a new chapter in the journey of Kerala Blasters FC.
The club extends its gratitude to Komaco Power, the title sponsor of the pre-season tour, for their invaluable support. The Kerala Blasters FC management acknowledges Mr. Supian Asignar, Chairman of Komaco Group, and Mr. Faisal Punnakadan, CEO of Green Harvest Investments, for their contributions.
Sporting Director's Perspective
Carolis Skinkis, the Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters FC, expressed his excitement about the upcoming pre-season tour. He stated that the matches played during this final stage of pre-season will provide the players and staff with the ideal preparation. Skinkis also praised the training facilities, amenities, and fan activities provided by H16 Sports during the previous season, expressing anticipation for a fruitful collaboration once again.
Pre-season Preparation
Before embarking on their UAE tour, Kerala Blasters FC completed a rigorous one-month pre-season training camp in Kochi. This intensive training period aimed to fine-tune the players' skills and enhance their physical fitness. The team then traveled to Kolkata to participate in the historic 132nd edition of the Durand Cup. The UAE tour will serve as the final preparation phase for Ivan Vukomanovic and his team before they kick off their campaign in the Indian Super League at the end of September.