Al Wahda sign up Morocco's Batna, Al Ouroba Club's Dhahnani

Abu Dhabi - Mourad Batna, a Moroccan, has joined the ranks as jersey No. 9 from Emirates Club on a three-year deal. He has previously played for Moroccan clubs Hassania Agadir and FUS Rabat

A week after new coach Laureniu Reghecampf took charge at Al Wahda, the club on Saturday unveiled two new signings - a foreign striker and local defender.

Mourad Batna, a Moroccan, has joined the ranks as jersey No. 9 from Emirates Club on a three-year deal. He has previously played for Moroccan clubs Hassania Agadir and FUS Rabat.

The new striker was in high spirits and promised trophies this year.

"I am very happy to be at Al Wahda. It is a top club with fantastic fan base. I am really looking forward to what will be an exciting project ahead. I thank everyone at Emirates Club for last season and also for a chance to join Al Wahda," Batna said during a Press conference held at the club.

"I will give my very best. Al Wahda are the President's Cup champion and I will try to help win trophies for the team."

On playing among the likes of Ismail Matar, Balazs Dzsudzsak and Sebastian Tagliabue, the 27-year-old said: "It's an honour to play with them. We will make a good team."

Another signing Abdullah Al Dhahnani landed from UAE division one's Al Ouroba Club. The 22-year-old is thrilled and said: "This is what I have been looking forward to since my early playing years. Al Ouroba has been my mentor and I am grateful to everyone there. I look forward to wining trophies with my teammates."

First team manager Abd Al Baset Al Hamadi hoped the new faces will help achieve the intended targets set by the club.

Al Hamadi said Batna will add depth in the squad.

"He has tremendous technical ability. He has scored 11 goals in 23 matches last season with Emirates Club."

Al Hamadi said Al Dhanhani is among the crop of promising national defenders.

"He had been called to the youth national team in 2013," Al Hamadi added.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com