Kirkuk's Gaz e-Shimal signs Syrian coach Raefat Mohammed for new season

KIRKUK, Iraq — Gaz e-Shimal Club, based in Kirkuk, has signed Syrian head coach Raefat Mohammed and his assistant staff for the new season of the Iraqi Stars League, the club announced. Club president Varya Jalal said the deal covers the upcoming league campaign and that the entire coaching team is of Syrian origin. The club's management has also signed six foreign players ahead of the league, which is set to begin in mid-August. Their identities will be released after the transfers are officially registered, the club said, adding that talks with local players are continuing and the squad is expected to be finalized before the opening fixtures next month. Jalal said the club has provided the new coaching staff with the administrative and technical support they require. Mohammed previously managed Syrian Premier League sides Wahda, Army and Tishreen, winning domestic cups with those clubs, and has also coached the Syrian Olympic national team. A former player at international level, he is described by the club as a recognized name in Arab football.