Iraqi national team player Alexander Oraha embarks on a new and challenging experience with Al-Zawraa Club, becoming the first Iraqi club he represents in his football career, aiming to prove his abilities and make a strong return to the forefront.

Al-Zawraa Club officially announced its signing of Oraha, aged 23, with a contract lasting one and a half seasons, ending in July 2027, as part of the administration's efforts to strengthen the team during the current winter transfer period.

The signing of the player comes as part of Al-Zawraa's efforts to compensate for the names that recently left the team, most notably Nizar Al-Rashdan and Haider Abdul Karim, as the club has made several deals to rebuild its lineup before resuming the Iraqi Stars League and AFC Champions League 2 competitions.

Oraha began his first training sessions with “The Hawks” in Baghdad, preparing to participate with the team in upcoming commitments, amid expectations that he will face a set of technical and physical challenges at the start of his tenure with the team.

Oraha's European Ambition  

One of the main challenges for the player is his previous ambition to play professionally in Europe, as moving to the Iraqi league was not his first choice in past periods, which imposes the necessity for him to fully focus with Al-Zawraa and deliver his best performances to secure his place in the starting lineup.

Oraha hopes that his experience with The Hawks will be a gateway to returning to the Iraqi national team, after a long absence, which requires him to be mentally and physically ready, and to overcome any distractions that might affect his performance on the field.

Injury Concerns  

The player previously suffered from a series of consecutive injuries with his former team, Queens Park Rangers, which kept him away from the field for long periods and contributed to his absence from international participation.

Oraha will need to work on regaining his full physical readiness, especially given the pressure of matches in the Iraqi Stars League, as any lack of readiness could be an obstacle to his start with Al-Zawraa.

Different Playing Environment  

The playing environment in Iraq represents another challenge for the player, given its significant difference from the atmosphere he was accustomed to in English stadiums, whether in terms of the nature of the fields or the pace of competitions.

Oraha needs to quickly adapt to the training atmosphere in Baghdad and integrate with his teammates to avoid any issues that might hinder his journey with The Hawks, especially in the initial stage, which is the most crucial in his new experience.