Oman’s national football team head coach Tarik Sektioui outlined his strategic approach for the team’s development in a press conference held on Tuesday at Al Zain Hall in Muscat. With the Gulf Cup and the AFC Asian Cup on the horizon, Sektioui emphasized the importance of careful planning, gradual transition, and a long-term vision to enhance the squad’s performance.

Since his appointment, Sektioui has overseen three training camps designed to assess and prepare the players both physically and mentally. The first camp, conducted in April over five days, focused primarily on local talent, allowing the technical staff to evaluate players’ technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal attributes. The second camp took place in Indonesia in June and lasted ten days, with professional players joining the group and the team engaging in two competitive matches. Sektioui described these games as valuable learning opportunities regardless of the outcomes. The third camp further solidified the coaching staff’s methods, particularly in terms of defensive and offensive organization, while helping to shape the team’s identity and style of play.

During this period, 56 players—including eight goalkeepers—were monitored, and 43 players, including six goalkeepers, participated across the camps. Sektioui highlighted the team’s gradual renewal process, stressing that changes were being implemented responsibly and deliberately. He pointed to the rising prominence of players aged 20 to 26 as key contributors to Oman’s future and noted ongoing efforts to identify promising young goalkeepers, with plans under consideration for specialized camps targeting the under-23 and under-20 age groups.

Addressing challenges faced by the team, Sektioui noted issues stemming from insufficient recovery time for players, especially those participating in demanding domestic seasons and coping with frequent coaching changes. He stressed the need for adequate rest and mental preparation, cautioning that working under multiple coaches within a single season can mentally tax players due to constantly shifting tactical directives.

Looking ahead, Sektioui stated that Oman aims to enter the upcoming Gulf Cup with the goal of delivering a strong performance and competing earnestly against the region’s top teams. He views the Gulf Cup as a critical preparatory stage ahead of the Asian Cup, where the team’s ambition extends beyond merely advancing from the group phase. “Our ambition is to go as far as possible,” Sektioui said, underscoring that this requires a clear plan and sustained effort rather than setting lofty goals without foundation.

Sektioui also called on the media to play a supportive role in communicating the team’s vision to the public, highlighting a shared commitment among all stakeholders to develop Omani football and strengthen the national team for future success. He expressed gratitude to the Oman Football Association, its board members, and club presidents for their cooperation in facilitating the recent training camps.