Baghdad's Zawra opens pre-season training, targets four-trophy campaign

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Zawra football club, based in the Iraqi capital, held its first training session of pre-season preparations, with 16 players taking part. Experienced left-back Ali Adnan, national team goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, Mohammed Kasim, and Uzbek professional Marlin Shubanov were among those on the pitch. The session was led by newly appointed head coach Basim Kasim and his coaching staff. Club media coordinator Ahmed Said said the team will travel to Egypt at the end of the month for a two-week overseas training camp, during which friendly matches will be played. Said said the club will compete this season in four tournaments: the Iraqi Stars League, the Iraq Cup, the Iraqi Super Cup and the Gulf Champions League. He added that the squad is not yet complete and that talks are continuing on new signings. The club's management has given Basim Kasim full authority to select players in line with his technical vision, Said said.