World Footy News

The Dubai Heat are the Middle East’s most successful Australian football club in terms of matches won. Since their formation in 2007, the Heat have grown from a few mates, to a squad of over 30 players. WFN chatted to Daniel Dugina, one of the instigators of the club about their major highlights and plans for the future.

WFN: How did it all start?

DUGINA: The initial idea for a team was raised during a discussion between a few mates from the property and construction industries at a local pub in February 2007. The first few sessions consisted of a kick at the local park. In the space of a month this had evolved into a squad of 15 players. We went on to win the inaugural Dubai 9s tournament over the existing Dubai team, the Dubai Dingoes and now the squad has now grown to about 30 players, mostly from Melbourne.

WFN: Who are the main people behind the club?

DUGINA: The current president is James Grljusich, Andrew Bereza is the team captain, Luke Wade the team manager, Luke Battley manages the Heatettes and Stuart Dods is the biggest man at the club

WFN: What made you pick Heat as your nickname?

DUGINA: Sydney Swans midfielder, Jude Bolton offered the name as an option when he sent us our first set of jumpers. It is stating the obvious but it also keeps with Dubai’s climate. When the name was circulated around between the players it proved popular and made for an easy team song, “Heat, Heat, Heat, Heat”. Because most of the boys are into 80s music, it is sometimes replaced by “The Heat Is On” a popular 80s song by Glenn Frey.

WFN: What major competitions have the Heat has partaken in? How did they perform?

DUGINA:

WFN: Have any players have been recognised with individual honours?

DUGINA:

WFN: What are the plans for the club in the near future?

DUGINA: The Heat plan to represent the United Arab Emirates at this year’s Asian Championships that Singapore is hosting in September. We’re hoping to do our best against previous champions Hong Kong who are a tough opponent and to test ourselves against Singapore on their home ground, which will also be challenging. We also aim to maintain our position as the best team in the Gulf. The opposition is mounting against us with newly formed clubs such as the Abu Dhabi Falcons getting pretty serious about football in the Middle East. We are also considering a few exhibition matches against European and Asian opposition.

WFN: What about in five years time?

DUGINA: At this stage a five year plan is a little too ambitious, but the hope is to maintain the same playing squad for at least the next couple of years and to just keep on having fun.

WFN: How does the Heat hope to advance footy in Dubai?

DUGINA: Plans for a Middle Eastern league are in their infancy. Discussions have started between the Gulf clubs about the possibility of a league, possibly next year.

WFN: Is there anything else you’d like to say?

DUGINA: Thanks for being such a great interviewer and a special thanks to our sponsors for their support: Multiplex, Nakheel, BSBG, Barasti and The Entertainer.