Hamad al Hosani is another building block in Wasl's construction

DUBAI // Al Wasl yesterday announced another addition to their squad as Diego Maradona, the club’s new coach, continues his team building for next season.

Wasl have signed Hamad Al Hosani, a 23-year-old striker, on a three-year deal from relegated club Al Dhafra. He is the third new Emirati to join the club since the end of the 2010/11 season, after Ali Rabeah and Mubarak Hassan.

“I’m looking forward to starting the new season in my new yellow jersey,” Al Hosani said. “Al Wasl are a big club with a great history and I will do my best to live up to the fans’ and management’s expectations.”

Hassan, the UAE Under 21 and Olympic team defender, was Maradona’s first signing from Al Fujairah three weeks ago and he was joined by Rabeah, also a defender, from Emirates.

Wasl, who released all three of their foreign players from last season, also signed Edson Puch, the Chilea international, from Universidad de Chile before Maradona arrived at the club.

Marwan bin Bayat, the chairman of Al Wasl, said: “Al Hosani is young and enthusiastic and this is what we are looking for.

“We want players who are hungry to win and who will work hard with Maradona to achieve exceptional levels of performance next season.

“Building a team is like a construction project; the stronger the foundation then the higher you can go.

“We know next season will be tough and so we’re making sure we are absolutely ready for the challenge.”