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DIHC become first expat team to play in UAE Premier League
Dubai International Handball Club (DIHC) will become the first expatriate team to play in the UAE Premier League and Union Cup next season.
In an historic ruling on Thursday, the UAE Handball Federation announced DIHC will become the 10th team to compete in the league in 2015/16, which has previously only been open to Emirati teams and players, or professional expatriate players.
The official announcement was made at a press conference held at the UAE Handball Federation.
UAE HF president, Dr Majid Sultan Bin Suleiman, said he believes DIHC will add value to next season’s competition.
“DIHC will be the 10th team in all official championships and will add value for the number of good players they have, and especially their interactions with the local teams which will stimulate competition levels and increase cultural exchange,” he said.
News spread like wildfire on social media, the club’s Facebook page attracting 1,200 ‘likes’ in less than 24 hours.
For founding member Dario Menichetti, it is the realisation of a three-year dream.
“It’s a game-changer for the entire expatriate community,” said Manichetti, 35.
The Italian has worked tirelessly for expat players to have a means of playing competitive handball, although you have to feel sympathy with club player Jalil Machou.
Born in the UAE, the 23-year-old Algerian learnt to play handball in his adopted nation, taught by his father, who previously coached 2013/14 league champions and 2015 President’s Cup and Vice President’s Cup winners, Al Nasr, although as an expat he was not allowed to compete.
“Until now he has never played an official match in his life,” said Menichetti.
“His father is one of the most famous handball coaches in the UAE. He learnt handball with the Emirati guys but was never able to play.”
Menichetti is targeting a top five finish in DIHC’s Premier League bow, with reigning champions Al Ahli the team to beat. “We want to develop a team to compete among the best in the UAE within a year. We are aiming for the top five this season,” said Menichetti.
DIHC is very much like the UAE itself, a colourful mix of many nationalities, with 45 different countries represented among its 150 senior players, including five Emiratis.
