Oman coach says Gulf Cup preparations are focused on long-term progress

Oman’s preparations for the Arabian Gulf Cup are being presented as more than a tournament exercise. Coach Tarik Sektioui says the team’s work in the run-up to the competition in Jeddah is designed to build a side capable of matching strong teams across Asia.

The technical staff is focusing on physical and mental development alongside technical improvement. Sektioui said the national team must balance its upcoming commitments while continuing to develop age-group teams, which he described as the foundation of Omani football’s future.

His initial work included a short training camp to assess the players, understand their capabilities and learn how they respond to the demands of the current stage. He said the players had shown a strong desire to improve and that the staff was working according to both short- and long-term plans.

The team has completed three training camps. The second took place in Indonesia and included friendly matches against Indonesia and Mozambique. Sektioui said those matches provided important lessons, leaving the staff with a roadmap for the next phase.

He also called for a specialized academy to develop talent and a competitive league for age-group teams throughout the season. Oman’s immediate ambition is to make a strong and competitive showing at the Gulf Cup, but Sektioui said the planning extends to the commitments that follow.