Al-Merreikh coach Darko Novic has introduced a dedicated fitness programme for captain Ramadan Agab as the Sudanese club prepare for their African Champions League campaign.
Agab is working to regain full physical condition after returning from a lengthy injury that kept him out for much of last season.
The 5 September meeting with Zambia’s Power Dynamos at Kigali Pele Stadium is the immediate target, with Al-Merreikh set to face the Zambian side in the first preliminary round of the African Champions League.
However, doubts remain over whether Agab will be ready to feature in the opening leg.
According to reliable sources cited by the WinWin website, the midfielder has not yet reached the fitness level required by Novic. Despite completing the earlier stages of his rehabilitation, he has returned looking heavier than the coaching staff would like.
Novic has consequently ordered an intensive physical programme aimed at helping the captain reduce his weight and regain the condition required for competitive football.
The plan will run alongside Agab’s gradual return to match action. If he does not reach the necessary level in time, Al-Merreikh could delay his involvement until the second leg.
Agab remains central to Al-Merreikh plans
Novic sees the experienced captain as an important part of his plans and is eager to restore him to the team as soon as his physical condition allows.
Agab’s absence was felt by Al-Merreikh last season, with the coach hoping his return can provide additional quality and leadership.
The midfielder is regarded as one of the leading figures in Sudanese football over the past 15 years and has built an impressive record during his career.
His technical ability and contribution in front of goal have made him an important player for the club.
Indeed, Agab has traditionally been a first-choice player for Al-Merreikh whenever he has been fit. The various coaches who have managed the club have consistently relied on him rather than using him as a substitute.
The captain is now working to regain that position.
Agab is determined to complete his recovery and return to the starting line-up, with the African Champions League providing an important motivation.
He was part of the Al-Merreikh side that reached the semi-finals of the 2015 edition, and he now wants to help the club make another deep run in the continental competition.
Novic changes approach to squad building
The special programme for Agab is part of a broader strategy being implemented by Novic.
The 56-year-old Serbian coach is entering his second year in charge of Al-Merreikh and is attempting to combine experienced returning Sudanese players with the club’s foreign professionals.
Among the local players being integrated into his plans are captain Agab, Ahmed Abdel Moneim, Mohamed Al-Rashid and Moataz Hashem.
Novic is hoping the combination will address shortcomings from previous campaigns and help Al-Merreikh achieve their objectives this season.
The club’s management has reportedly made reaching the Champions League group stage a condition for the coach to continue in his position, increasing the importance of the team’s progress in the competition.
That target has also made Agab’s return particularly important.
Gradual return planned before Champions League
Rather than immediately placing the captain back into competitive action, the coaching staff intend to manage his return carefully.
Agab will follow the special physical programme while gradually receiving playing time in upcoming friendly matches.
Al-Merreikh are scheduled to face several opponents during their preparations, including the Rwandan Army, Rayon Sports and Tanzania’s Azam.
Those matches are expected to provide Agab with opportunities to rebuild his match fitness without being exposed to the demands of a full competitive fixture immediately after his long absence.
The objective is to have him as close as possible to full fitness before the Champions League campaign begins.
Al-Merreikh will host Power Dynamos on 5 September at Kigali Pele Stadium in the first preliminary round, making the coming weeks crucial for the club and its captain.
For Novic, the priority is to ensure that Agab returns when he is physically ready rather than rushing him back before he has completed the necessary work.
For Agab, the challenge is to respond to the intensive programme, regain his fitness and convince the coaching staff that he can contribute at the highest level again.
His return would provide Al-Merreikh with the experience of a player who has been a key figure for the club for many years.
But with the first Champions League fixture approaching, time is becoming increasingly important.
If Agab reaches the required condition, he could play a significant role in Al-Merreikh’s continental campaign. If not, the club may have to wait until the second leg before bringing their captain back into competitive action.
