Sparky’s Column

A Happy and Colourful National Day

Grafite is the man of the moment in the Pro League, the Brazilian is on fire and his hot streak continued with 4 goals in Al Ahli's 6-2 thrashing of Al Wadha. The Brazilian's only rival  Assamoah Gyan  "only" managed a brace. It is amazing to think we are 9 games into the Pro League season and our two top scorers are on 16 and 17 apiece. I am hazarding a guess but I don't think any league in the world can match that. 

It seemed likely that Paulo Bonamigo was on borrowed time at Al Jazira. The speculation even amounted to Felix McGrath being named as successor. The team have rallied since the vultures have been circling and Al Jazira are racking up the points. This does point to Bonamigo being popular with his playing staff, often a struggling manager can't get his players to perform. They see him as yesterdays man and don't always give it 100%. I don't want to see anyone lose their job and hopefully the Brazilian can continue to get the former champions on back on track.

 

We head towards the 41st national day and it means the mood at matches this weekend will be celebratory. The crowds in the UAE are not always the biggest but they are the most colourful. I have been to games where the entire away end has been bannered in the visiting teams colours. It must mean arriving at the stadium hours before the game to carefully pin metres and metres of fabric to fences, all in the name of supporting your team. In honour of these people and national day I would like to give you my top 5 colourful moments in UAE football. 

1. The Range Rover Sport sprayed Al Ain purple for the Etisalat Cup final. 

2. The yellow saloon car adorned with all the faces of the Al Wasl squad.

3. Maradona's infamous banner he had his photo taken with after showing one fan he still had a strong left foot. 

4. Man in Al  dressed in purple Kandora 

5. Sharjah fan and his amazing one man band including amp.

There are a million more examples but those are my favourites. I have only been to the World Cup in South Africa that could compete with the UAE in terms of colour but that required the combined might of 32 nations. Happy National Day to the most colourful footballing nation in the world.