Al-Merrikh have accelerated preparations for the new season by finalising plans for a pre-season training camp in Tunisia, while also moving closer to securing the long-term future of captain Ahmed Abdel Moneim.
The Sudanese club is simultaneously awaiting two important decisions from the Sudanese Football Association, one concerning its planned participation in the next edition of the Rwandan league and another relating to an appeal over disciplinary proceedings stemming from the Elite League derby against Al-Hilal.
Club officials are working to complete several administrative and sporting matters before preparations begin, with the aim of mounting a strong challenge in the next edition of the African Champions League.
Tunisia camp close to being confirmed
According to reliable sources quoted by WinWin, Al-Merrikh are in the final stages of organising their pre-season training camp in the Tunisian capital.
The club had settled on Tunisia as its preferred destination early in its planning process and is now completing the remaining arrangements before the squad begins preparations for the upcoming campaign.
The training camp forms part of a broader strategy designed to ensure the team is fully prepared for domestic and continental competitions, with particular emphasis on the African Champions League.
Club officials view the camp as an important stage in building momentum ahead of what they hope will be a successful season.
Contract talks progressing with Ahmed Abdel Moneim
Alongside preparations for the new campaign, Al-Merrikh are working to secure the services of one of their most influential players.
Negotiations with 24-year-old captain Ahmed Abdel Moneim have intensified as the club seeks to extend his contract several months before its expiry.
The move is also intended to fend off reported interest from rivals Al-Hilal, who are said to be keen to sign the midfielder.
Vice-president and head of football operations Ibrahim Taha is leading the negotiations, reflecting the importance the club places on retaining one of the key figures in coach Darko Novic’s first team.
Ahmed Abdel Moneim has established himself as a regular starter under Novic and is also a consistent member of Kwesi Appiah’s national team squad.
Sources indicated that discussions are progressing positively and suggested the player is expected to remain with Al-Merrikh under a new three-year agreement.
Club awaits Football Association response
While work continues behind the scenes, the club is also waiting for an official response from the Sudanese Football Association regarding its proposed participation in the new version of the Rwandan league.
The management has already made arrangements for the first team to compete in the competition, although confirmation from the governing body remains outstanding.
Participation in the East and Central Africa Championship, scheduled to take place in Kigali next August, has already been confirmed.
The Football Association is also expected to respond to another matter submitted by the club.
Al-Merrikh have formally requested a decision on their appeal against the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling, which rejected the club’s complaint concerning the eligibility of several Al-Hilal players who featured in the Elite League derby played at the end of the competition.
The outcome of that appeal remains pending.
Further squad changes planned
The club’s preparations extend beyond contract negotiations and administrative matters.
Management is also working on loan arrangements involving several members of the current squad while moving closer to completing the signing of a foreign striker.
Officials hope to conclude the remaining contract matters before the team begins pre-season training.
The objective is to ensure the squad is settled as early as possible, giving the coaching staff sufficient time to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Al-Merrikh’s leadership also intends to continue the programme of change already introduced at the club, with the aim of restoring the team to the forefront of continental competition.
By completing its transfer business, confirming its training camp and resolving outstanding regulatory issues, the club hopes to lay the foundations for a season in which it can compete strongly both domestically and in the African Champions League.
