Al Wahda set to name Vuk Rasovic as new coach ahead of Asian Champions League resumption

Serb led Al Dhafra to last season's President's Cup final

Vuk Rasovic impressed during a two-year stint at Arabian Gulf League side Al Dhafra. AFP

Al Wahda are set to install Vuk Rasovic as manager ahead of resuming their Asian Champion League campaign against Iranian side Esteghlal on September 14.

The Serb takes over from Dutchman Mark Wotte, the club’s academy head coach who was appointed to the vacant position at the beginning of the season.

Wotte has taken charge of two friendly matches and was set to lead Wahda into the new domestic season, which was slated to start on September 3, before the Football Association announced it was postponing kick off until October.

Rasovic, 47, arrives after a two-year spell at Al Dhafra, leading them to the President’s Cup final last season before the campaign was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Western Region club totalled 29 points and were in eighth spot in the Arabian Gulf League with seven rounds left. Rasovic led his team to surprise victories over leading teams Shabab Al Ahli, Al Ain, Al Jazira, Wahda, Al Wasl and defending champions Sharjah.

Rasovic previously spent a year at Saudi Arabian club Al Faisaly, whom he led to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup and was named the Best Coach of the Season.

At Wahda, the former Serbia and Montenegro international’s first task will be to prepare the side for the continental championship that resumes from next week with Wahda meeting Esteghlal at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

The Abu Dhabi side are on four points and second behind Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia after two games in Group A.