JEDDAH, 8 August 2006 — Tunisian team captain Khaled Badra has agreed a one-year contract of $200,000 to play for Al-Ahli football club.
Ahli management immediately sealed the deal with Badra, ending their search of a good defender .
The player preferred to join Ahli to an offer he received from a French club because he has had a very successful stint with the Jedddah-based club more than three years ago.
With Badra Ahli enjoyed a golden period that saw them win the 2003 Arab Championship against Al-Africi of Tunisia who they beat in the final 1-0 in Jeddah.
In the same year, Ahli reached the final of all local championships but lost against Al-Ittifaq in Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup competition, against Al-Hilal in Crown Prince Cup and against Al-Ittihad in the King Fahd Cup.
Badra led Tunisia to the 2002 African Championship in Tunisia.
Ahli Club President Ahmad Al-Marzooki and his deputy Abdullah Al-Boloushi both traveled to Tunisia for the signing ceremony.
Ahli Serbian coach Nebousha praised the Tunisian football star. He said that he is a leader in the field and in defense and that is exactly what Ahli need.
Badra, for his part, said that he has fond memories of Ahli. He said that he still has more to give and he will prove it with Ahli club.
Borgetti Set to Join Al-Ittihad
Reuters adds: Mexico striker Jared Borgetti is set to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after a bid for him was accepted by Bolton Wanderers at the weekend. Bolton manager Sam Allardyce told the Premier League club’s website yesterday: “Jared has not travelled to Spain with the squad and I am hopeful the deal will go through this week.
“It hasn’t worked out for Jared at Bolton. He needs to find regular football to enhance his career prospects.”
Signed just before last season, Borgetti failed to win a regular first-team slot and the forward, who turns 33 next week, scored only seven goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.
Ahli Club President Ahmad Al-Marzooki, left, and Tunisian team captain Khaled Badra are seen after the contract signing in Tunisia.
