Interim head coach Thierry Dumaine has been impressed by the Lebanese players following the completion of his week long training camp in Beirut ahead of this week’s MENA Championship in Morocco. The French Federation’s Performance Director put the 20-man squad through its paces every day, admitting his surprise at the quality on show.

“The squad has worked hard during all the sessions this week and I can really see a lot of improvement,” said the 39-year-old from Carcassonne. “There are some very good players in the squad with a lot of power and good skill levels which is a credit to the domestic championship, and some young players who have come up through the youth system with real potential.”

Lebanon’s Cedars flew to Casablanca on Sunday and play Morocco XIII on 29 June and 2 July.

“The MENA Championship is important for the players who hope to be selected for the world cup qualifiers in October,” continued Dumaine. “As an interim coach, I will try to build a team spirit, through the principles of  ‘Work together’ and  ‘the minimum you can give is your maximum’.

Dumaine toured Lebanon with LRLF staff, visiting the sport’s various stakeholders.

“This is my first trip to Lebanon; I’ve really enjoyed it. I like the architecture in downtown Beirut and the Lebanese food is marvellous! The future for the LRLF is looking good.”