Sparky’s Column

Countdown to Kick Off

I spent most of Saturday night rubbing my eyes in disbelief at Al Wasl's second half drubbing by Dubai club. The score stood at 0-0 up until the 53rd minute, then the flood gates opened. Maradona normally animated on the sidelines looked shellshocked, he stood scratching his beard trying to work out what was going wrong. The hoards of Al Wasl fans started leaving the stadium on 75 minutes, it was worth staying for the final whistle to avoid the rush.
The now infamous banner with a message from Maradona's two year old grandson was on show once again. The message could have been changed from "I love you Grandad" to "What happened Grandad?" I am sure Diego was wishing his Grandson was old enough to play. He is the son of Sergio Augero of Manchester City, so with Maradona's genes in there as well he is sure to be a future star. The team will score goals but the leaky defence is very worrying. The post match press conference was subdued with the Argentinian gracious in defeat. He praised Dubai whilst emphsising his team should not dwell on the defeat but look forward to the new campaign. The real test will be how they bounce back against Sharjah in the season opener.
 
Emirates club scored a confidence boosting victory over Al Wadha. The club look revitalised and I think they could be a surprise package this season. I think home support  will be vital if they are to survive. The atmosphere at the home games in the Champions League was electric.They showed that with the fans as the 12th man they can mix it with the best on the continent. Transfer that spirit to the league this season and they will not be the whipping boys everyone expects.
 
The UAE continues to grow on the AFC stage after an inspection visit for all the clubs in the Pro League. Everything off the pitch seems set with 11 of the 12 teams fulfilling the requirements but on the field teams continue to struggle. Al Jazira gave the domestic competitions priority last season, Emirates club fought bravely but had the limited resources of a second division team, whilst Al Wadha and Al Ain slipped quietly out of the competition. I wonder if this will be the season Al Jazira focus on the continental competition? Proving they are up with the continents best is the next rung on the ladder for a success hungry club.
 
It seems like an age but finally the league season proper gets underway. The Etisalat Cup was the appetiser and we begin the main course this weekend. I can't wait and I think we are about the kick off the biggest season in the UAE's history.