ABU DHABI // Rafael Sobis said that his place in the Brazilian national team was not in danger following his move from Spanish club Real Betis to Al Jazira.
The striker, 23, moved to Jazira on the back of an Olympic bronze at the Beijing Games last month. He was one of the three foreign signings for Jazira, along with compatriots Marcio Rozario and Fernando Biano.
Sobis, making his first public appearance with his new Brazilian teammates for the Abu Dhabi club said he was on top of his game and was confident his performance in the new Pro League would not go unnoticed. Sobis said he had been asked many times about his decision to move to Abu Dhabi and the impact that could have on his future with the Brazil team.
"If the national team coach Dunga wants quality players he will have to fly in to see them in action," he said.
"And if he wants to see me play, if necessary, he will travel, whether I play in Spain or the UAE.
"The coach has a good idea of my abilities and I am sure he will follow the games and my progress."
Dunga made a goodwill visit to Jazira in November and it would not be a great surprise if the Brazil coach decided to fly down for a game soon.
Sobis added that he felt he has lost nothing from moving out of the Spanish league.
"I arrived at the decision after consulting several people," he said. "I have spoken to my colleagues and some players who had a good knowledge of this region. I had also spoken to the Jazira coach Abel Braga, with whom I have worked for two years.
"It was tough for any club to get me out of Betis but Jazira succeeded. They have put a lot of faith in me and invested heavily to win the Pro League. And I want to do my best to help them achieve it. I like the set up here and I am sure I'll enjoy my stay at Jazira.
"I feel this Pro League is going to be very competitive with several high-profile signings. The region's football is growing at an alarming rate and, with competitions like the Asian Champions League and the Fifa Club World Cup, players get noticed."
Sobis joined Betis from Internacional in 2006 and made his debut as a late substitute for the Samba boys against Argentina at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium the same year.
He played again for Brazil when they beat Wales 2-0. He was also chosen as the main striker in a friendly game against Portugal.
Rozario and Biano were also unveiled at the same time and the latter was in action against the national team in a friendly straight after facing the media briefing.
"I am very excited and looking forward to play in the UAE," said Biano. "My first impression was the warmth and friendliness of my new colleagues, the technical staff and the management. I felt I was welcome."
The Brazilian trio will have their first taste of the Pro League when Jazira face neighbours Al Wahda in the opening derby match on Sept 19.
@Email:apassela@thenational.ae
No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
ROUTE TO TITLE
Round 1: Beat Leolia Jeanjean 6-1, 6-2
Round 2: Beat Naomi Osaka 7-6, 1-6, 7-5
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Round 4: Beat Anastasia Potapova 6-0, 6-0
Quarter-final: Beat Marketa Vondrousova 6-0, 6-2
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Final: Beat Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: The Cloud
Started: 2018
Founders: George Karam and Kamil Rogalinski
Based: Hub71, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Industry: Food technology
Funding size: $10m+
Investors: Middle East Venture Partners, Olayan Financing, Rua Growth Fund
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Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
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Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
EVIL DEAD RISE
Director: Lee Cronin
Stars: Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Lily Sullivan
Rating: 5/5
Company profile
Company name: Fasset
Started: 2019
Founders: Mohammad Raafi Hossain, Daniel Ahmed
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $2.45 million
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Clinicy
Started: 2017
Founders: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Abdullah bin Sulaiman Alobaid and Saud bin Sulaiman Alobaid
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Number of staff: 25
Sector: HealthTech
Total funding raised: More than $10 million
Investors: Middle East Venture Partners, Gate Capital, Kafou Group and Fadeed Investment
Confirmed bouts (more to be added)
Cory Sandhagen v Umar Nurmagomedov
Nick Diaz v Vicente Luque
Michael Chiesa v Tony Ferguson
Deiveson Figueiredo v Marlon Vera
Mackenzie Dern v Loopy Godinez
Tickets for the August 3 Fight Night, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, went on sale earlier this month, through www.etihadarena.ae and www.ticketmaster.ae.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Almouneer
Started: 2017
Founders: Dr Noha Khater and Rania Kadry
Based: Egypt
Number of staff: 120
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$3.6 million led by Global Ventures
