DILI, 12 october 2023 (TATOLI) – Two Timorese young talented footballers, Norberto da Costa, 19, and Ario Ximenes, 17, from the Baucau Youth Football Centre, have been signed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) club, Al-Fujairah to strengthen the squad of the team playing in the UAE’s Pro League.
“It’s a proud moment for me and I’m delighted to have this opportunity to play for the Al-Fujairah. We will perform well to give our best to the team,” said Ario Ximenes, on the sidelines of the farewell ceremony with the Baucau Municipal Authority.
According to the signing contracts, the two players will receive a monthly salary of US$25,000.
The coach of the Baucau Youth Football Centre, Ubaldo Moreira, was proud of the fact that the center has produced these qualified footballers, who are now “going to make a name for themselves” abroad.
“These two players trained at the club from the age of 12 to 17 and attended various training programs in Brazil. Thanks to their performances, they ended up signing a great contract with a club in the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
According to the schedule, the two players will leave for the UAE tomorrow to join the team. Founded in 1968, Al-Fujairah were champions of the UAE’s top league in 1985-86, 1989-90, and 2005-06 and are currently 12th in the table with 4 points.
Journalist: Natalino Belo
Translator: José Belarmino De Sá
Editors: Evaristo Soares Martins/Filomeno Martins
