Sparky’s Column

Al Jazira finally take home the silverware

I wasn't sure who was going to win the President's Cup final but there was always going to be a Matar in the team. The two brothers Ismaiel and Yassir lined up on opposing sides for the big game. There have been plenty of siblings on the same side such as the De Boers and the Nevilles of Manchester United but to be facing off in opposition in such a big game is rare. By the time the 90 mins were up one brother would end up with a red card and a winner's medal, the other on the end a thumping.

Al Jazira triumphed to win their first piece of silverware in over 30 years. The loss of Yassir to his second bookable offence barely mattered as they were 4-0 up at the time. The score line doesn't really tell the story of the match though, as Al Wahda dominated possession for long periods but a lack of penetration meant it amounted to little more than a few speculative efforts.

I have singled out Bare before in this column and again he showed his worth, big, strong and unstoppable. He bagged a brace to go with his winner's medal. Al Jazira have shown that patience is a virtue by sticking with Abel Braga in two previous seasons devoid of silverware. He looked as relieved as he did happy with the performance. I am sure he was convinced they would win something but after being so close twice already, there must have been some doubt in his mind that it would ever happen.

In other news, Bani Yas are a club who have achieved way beyond their status finishing 4th in their first season of the Etisalat Pro-League, and currently holding down second place this season. Coach Lutfi Al Banzarti has worked wonders with a young team, bringing them up from the second division and establishing them as a force that could well play in the AFC Champions League next season, it's a magnificent achievement. I am pointing all this out because his contract was terminated by Bani Yas this week. We don't know what happened behind the scenes but regardless,  Lutfi should go down in history as Bani Yas' greatest ever coach and his work with such a small Club should be applauded. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he popped up in the UAE at another club soon.

Last week all the talk was of David O'Leary leaving Al Ahli but since then all has gone quiet and he has continued to lead the team in training. Will he be allowed to carry out his much talked about 3 year plan? I hope so because he has shown that he can produce successful teams in England and it would be great to see him repeat it here.