Sparky’s Column

A Year in Review

The end of the year is nearly upon us, its a time to reflect and look forward. I have asked a few of the journalists covering the game here for their highlights but first my own. This maybe a different angle but Dubai Clubs survival in the Pro League was an amazing feat especially as they lost their first seven games. The obvious is Al Jazira winning the league after finishing second for three years in a row. My prediction for 2012 is simply Al Ain to win the league with Asamoah Gyan top scorer in the Pro League.

 

The boys from Sport 360 give us their highlights and look into the crystal ball to predict the coming year.........For the Pro League highlight I think there has to be two - Al Jazira finally ending their Pro League hoodoo to capture their first title in the club's history. Throughly well deserved although a special mention to a young Bani Yas side for finishing second in the Pro League. Our predictions in 2012 - Maradona to win a trophy with Wasl just not the Pro League title. That is destined for Al Ain who will claim it for an unprecedented 10th time. With a spine of Mirel Radoi, Ignacio Scocco and the brilliant Asamoah Gyan they are streets ahead of the rest at present. How they react when Gyan leaves for the African Cup of Nations will hold the key.

 

Gulf News Sport give us their thoughts...........My UAE footballing highlight of 2011 has to be Fran Yeste's fastest equaliser against Al Ain in the semi-final of the Etisalat Cup. There were just 27 seconds between Al Ain scoring and Yeste chipping a cheeky lob over the keeper from the centre circle kick-off. It was so fast you have to keep rewinding the youtube video. As a reporter at the match you need a good minute to document a goal and detail who exactly crossed to who, but 27 seconds certainly raised our stress levels.  2011 was certainly the year for big name arrivals from Maradona to Trezeguet and Gyan, but perhaps the best international exposure was sought from these viral youtube postings of Yeste's fastest ever equaliser and lest we forget the late Thayeb Awana's backheel penalty against Lebanon (although this was an international match not domestic). As the year closes I'll remember these two moments for putting UAE football on the global map, just as much (if not more) than any big name signing because it documented the talent we have in the local game. But it will be with particular sadness, and thoughts for his friends and family too, given that the talented Awana passed away just a month after that goal in a car accident. 2011 will be so obviously the year of Maradona, but for me personally it will also be the year of the youtube re-wind thanks to Awana and Yeste.

 

My prediction for 2012 is the continued rise and dominance of Al Shabab, a team that having won the Etisalat Cup and the GCC Champions League could in all honesty go for the league title. While Al Ain has the squad history and resources and Al Jazira the consistency, Al Shabab's approach is a real message to all UAE football. Since Abel Braga's departure from Al Jazira at the end of last season, Shabab's Paulo Bonamigo has been the longest serving coach in local football with some two years under his belt. He's worked wonders with sensible and educated purchases who have turned out to be some of the league's best buys. There's no stars in this set-up but patience and common sense has worked wonders and I hope for the benefit of the example it sets they will continue to achieve in 2012.

 

So there you have it, check back in 12 months to see if we were good enough to predict the future. Happy New year, enjoy your football and have a great 2012.