Press Conference, Previews, and Transfers

After two wins over second division Tunisian club teams, the squad is on its way to Ghana aboard a chartered jet. The entire Tunisian delegation (players included of course) is at 42. Needless to say, it’s going to be an interesting trip for our boys as it’s well known that the accommodations in Tamale will be nothing like what they’re used to. They’ll be staying in a newly built hotel with the three other teams in their group which should make for some awkward breakfasts and dinners. Hopefully our guys are on the winning side of things during the matches so that seeing the other teams players afterwards doesn’t piss them off too much. For all the Tunisian Federations faults, they should be credited for having the foresight of renting a big house so that they can get away from the other squads when it’s time for team meetings and what not.

There has been lots of planning involved and the these guys have packed everything, food included. Our federation was the first one to arrive in Ghana to inspect the sites when they were still under construction and have made two visits since. Now hopefully their planning has paid off and our players will have everything provided for them to ensure they can have some home comforts while focusing on the difficult task at hand. Really though, everyone is going to Tamale together so the conditions are the same for all teams. We don’t have to THAT pampered but some home cooking never hurts when you’re in an unfamiliar place.

Before taking off there was a press conference and you can get appropriate coverage at Mosaique’s website and over at Infofoot.org. There were some explanations for the player boycott of the press after our last friendly: Apparently it’s a response to certain Tunisian papers that reported falsely about Tijani Belaid’s accident as well as a general annoyance at all the criticism they’ve been getting for their performance. Frankly, I think it’s just because they’re sick of talking. Whatever the case, the football they play will be the best way to answer any questions we have about them.

On a more specific note in terms of players in the team. Issam Jemaa’s injury is still listed as not serious but I think it’s nagging a bit as Yassine Mikari played in his position on the leftside of midfield in our last game. Too bad we didn’t get to see it as I read an article on Le Temps that suggests he did quite well. I still want Jemaa back though. As Thamer once wrote in a comment, at full strength he is our second best player. Him leading us in scoring in the qualifications strengthens that argument. Mikari used to be midfielder before his Swiss side converted him in the hopes of turning him into a baby Roberto Carlos. He can play midfield, but we need Jemaa back and quick.

Previews

Soon enough I’ll be posting Tahar’s excellent preview for the teams present at Ghana but for those interested exclusively in English language previews for our team here’s a few places to check out. Daryl from our very own WCB did a fantastic job of incorporating my thoughts and adding his own to his ongoing look at each team in the tournament. Here’s the official WCB preview for Tunisia. There’s other sites that have some up and the quality and opinions vary: ESPN, Goal.com, BBC. Note that the goal.com preview is identical to the one Bman kindly posted in the comments of my last article…

Mercato Roundup

Here’s who got who and from where (sorry I don’t have everyone’s first name):

Etoile Du Sahel: Souheil Berradhia (Bizerte), Belgacem Tounishe (Stade Tunisien). Tarek Ziadi (Sfax) signed a precontract agreement but that move is not yet finalized.

Esperance: Michael Eneramo, Salah Mzali (Monastir), Henry Bienvenu (Bizerte), Zarli and Souissi (Korba), Khaled Ayari (Ariana and U17 National Team that played in Korea last year), Khaled Badra (Ahly Jedda)

CS Sfaxien: Basila (Congo), Zakaria Ismail (Morocco)

Club Africain: Aymen Rhifi (AS Marsa), Atef Dkhili (Jendouba and U17 National Team goalkeeper)

Stade Tunisien: Mohammed Sellitti (Etoile), Imed Mhadhebi (Nantes)

Monastir: Naim Berrabt (Esperance), Monafek (Esperance), Holmi Oussif (Club Africain)

Hammam Lif: Mohammed Ali Ghariani (Club Africain), Aroussi Barkouki (Club Africain), Haythem Ghathr (Fahs)

Gabes: Nadim Ben Thabet (Etoile), Zoubeir Safi (Sfax), Amine Nafati (Esperance), Anis Nasri (Msaken), Ahmed Ouarhani (Msaken), Moulay Zouheir Raki (Morocco), Roubaia Farandi (Morocco)

AS Marsa: Jamel Hcharem (Sfax) and a Senegalese player and Zambian player who’s names are not provided where I got this info.

Gafsa: Tarak Salem, Mathias, Jahed Zarrouk

Bizerte: Akiachi (Club Africain), Karim Touati (Esperance), Zakar (Esperance)

Jendouba: Sofiane El Attaf (Gafsa), Al Issani (Club Africain), Roubar (Cameroon)

Zarzis: Ahmed Khafshil (Club Africain), Wassem Moaref (France)

Beja: Khmiri, Soltani, Hossam Bjaoui (all Etoile)