Latest news with #APOEL
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Official: Youssef El-Arabi Joins FC Nantes
Moroccan striker Youssef El-Arabi has completed a free transfer to French club FC Nantes. The 38-year-old has signed a two-year contract after a strong season with Cypriot side APOEL, where he scored 14 goals and registered seven assists in 45 matches during the 2024–25 campaign. El-Arabi returns to Ligue 1 for the first time since leaving SM Caen in 2011. He went on to play in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Spain—where he finished fifth in La Liga's scoring charts with Granada, netting 16 goals in 35 matches. In Qatar, he tallied an impressive 107 goals in 95 games with Al-Duhail and claimed two Golden Boots. Santi Aouna's social media post announcing the move sparked a wave of fan reactions. 'He is the best of North African and Gulf football as both teams vie for supremacy in the Cup of the Free,' one user wrote. Another added: 'I can guarantee 10–12 goals in the league—even at 38 years old.' FC Nantes hope his experience will bolster their frontline and support the development of younger talents.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cyprus move paid off as Esselink reaches UK 'target'
Dutch centre-half Bert Esselink believes his decision to ignore advice not to move to Cyprus when he was 20 has paid off after reaching his "target" of playing in the United Kingdom by signing for Dundee 25, Esselink has joined the Scottish Premiership club at the end of his contract with relegated Polish outfit Stal his first interview with United's club website, he explained that, having come through the youth ranks with De Graafschap and having just finished his university degree, he was given the chance to join PAEEK, then in the Cypriot second tier."My girlfriend and I decided to go to Cyprus even though people said don't do it and I am grateful we made that decision at the time," Esselink paid off with a move to APOEL Nicosia, with whom he got a taste of Europa Conference League football."The step to the biggest club in Cyprus was a big one - it makes you bigger as a player," Esselink said. "But there are bigger stages than playing at APOEL."I did not play many minutes, but it was good to experience how much European football can mean for a club."In addition to the chance to play in Conference League again this season, Esselink was attracted to the "history" and "warmth" he felt from Dundee United."When I was young, I always said I wanted to play in the UK," he said. Esselink is not daunted by the Premiership's tough reputation given the Polish Ekstraklasa "style of play is to be aggressive".
Daily Tribune
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Vovoras appointed as Basketball coach
The Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed the appointment of Greek coach Georgios Vovoras as head coach of the men's national team, in a move designed to elevate the squad's performance and profile across the region and beyond. Vovoras, 47, arrives with a deep résumé shaped by years of experience at the top levels of European basketball. His appointment signals Bahrain's intent to instill a more refined and competitive edge to its national team setup. Experience Across Europe and Beyond Vovoras is best known for his association with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, where he has held both head coach and assistant roles over several seasons. His coaching journey also includes stints at DEAC (Hungary), APOEL (Cyprus), and most recently Neptunas Klaipeda in Lithuania, where he guided the team through domestic and continental campaigns. In addition to his European experience, Vovoras has worked closely with NBA franchises, featuring on summer league coaching staffs with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. These roles have expanded his tactical toolkit and given him valuable exposure to evolving international styles of play. Promising Track Record Among Vovoras' notable achievements are Greek League and Cup titles with Panathinaikos as assistant coach, multiple EuroLeague quarter-final appearances, and leading APOEL to the Cypriot Cup final in 2016 as head coach. His ability to adapt to different environments and deliver results in both top-tier and emerging basketball contexts makes him a compelling choice for Bahrain's ambitions. The hiring reflects a broader vision within Bahraini basketball: to build a team capable not only of competing regionally but also of leaving a mark on larger stages such as the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Preparing for the Next Phase Vovoras is expected to begin his duties shortly after arriving in Bahrain. His first task will be to lead the national team's upcoming training camps and preparation matches, with a focus on strengthening fundamentals and embedding a coherent, high-level tactical identity. With Vavoras' international pedigree and practical adaptability, he represents a calculated and forward-thinking choice. Bahrain will hope his presence on the sidelines translates into consistent performances and, in time, tangible success. As the national team embarks on this new chapter, expectations are cautiously optimistic. The challenge now is turning Vovoras' extensive experience into results on the court.
Daily Tribune
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Vovoras Appointed
TDT | Manama Greek coach takes charge of national basketball team with eyes on regional and international progress The Bahrain Basketball Association has confirmed the appointment of Greek coach Georgios Vovoras as head coach of the men's national team, in a move designed to elevate the squad's performance and profile across the region and beyond. Vovoras, 47, arrives with a deep résumé shaped by years of experience at the top levels of European basketball. His appointment signals Bahrain's intent to instill a more refined and competitive edge to its national team setup. Experience Across Europe and Beyond Vovoras is best known for his association with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, where he has held both head coach and assistant roles over several seasons. His coaching journey also includes stints at DEAC (Hungary), APOEL (Cyprus), and most recently Neptūnas Klaipėda in Lithuania, where he guided the team through domestic and continental campaigns. In addition to his European experience, Vovoras has worked closely with NBA franchises, featuring on summer league coaching staffs with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023 and the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017. These roles have expanded his tactical toolkit and given him valuable exposure to evolving international styles of play. Promising Track Record Among Vovoras' notable achievements are Greek League and Cup titles with Panathinaikos as assistant coach, multiple EuroLeague quarter-final appearances, and leading APOEL to the Cypriot Cup final in 2016 as head coach. His ability to adapt to different environments and deliver results in both top-tier and emerging basketball contexts makes him a compelling choice for Bahrain's ambitions. The hiring reflects a broader vision within Bahraini basketball: to build a team capable not only of competing regionally but also of leaving a mark on larger stages such as the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers. Preparing for the Next Phase Vovoras is expected to begin his duties shortly after arriving in Bahrain. His first task will be to lead the national team's upcoming training camps and preparation matches, with a focus on strengthening fundamentals and embedding a coherent, high-level tactical identity. With Vavoras' international pedigree and practical adaptability, he represents a calculated and forward-thinking choice. Bahrain will hope his presence on the sidelines translates into consistent performances and, in time, tangible success. As the national team embarks on this new chapter, expectations are cautiously optimistic. The challenge now is turning Vovoras' extensive experience into results on the court.
