Sparky’s Column

First Day Nerves?

The ceremonies are over and the draw has been made for the new season of the Etisalat Pro League. The first weekend has thrown up some intriguing ties. The Dubai and Abu Dhabi giants all being drawn against each other. Champions Al Ain face a tough trip to Flores' Al Ahli. Last season the Red Knights were resurgent during the second half of the season and will get to test their title credentials straight out of the starting blocks. The two clubs have the stability of the same coaches from last season and Al Ain in particular will be bolstered by the permanent signing of Asamoah Gyan.

Al Wahda and Al Wasl square up in the battle of the new coaches. Bruno Metsu, the eventual replacement for Maradona, is a veteran in the Middle East having coached clubs in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He coached Qatar's national side and led the UAE to a Gulf Cup win in 2007. He will be desperate to add to his success in the UAE which included an AFC Champions League triumph. Al Wahda's new man at the helm Branko Ivankovic  like Metsu is a former club and national manager in the region. It will be his first time coaching in the UAE but after a spell in Dammam with Ettifaq he will be well versed with regions style.

Walter Zenga will face an old adversary in the shape of Paulo Bonamigo but the Brazilian's team will sport white rather than green this season. The close season switch from Al Shabab to Al Jazira was the surprise coaching move of the summer. The Brazilian will get to test his credentials against an Al Nasr side that have finished in the Champions League spots two seasons running. Walter Zenga will be hoping the replacements for Qatar bound Mark Bresciano will prove adequate enough so his side can match the last two seasons.

Bani Yas face Bonamigo's former side Al Shabab. Bani Yas seem to have worked wisely in the off season securing the services of Zidan from Mainz. They will hopefully not have the turmoil of last season which disrupted things on and off the pitch. Al Shabab will be looking to build on two solid seasons with Bonamigo under the stewardship of fellow Brazilian Marcos Paquata.

Dibba face Dubai club in a battle between two clubs that could be facing relegation come May 2013. There is a chance early doors for notorious slow starters Dubai to get some much needed points on the board and to build some confidence early season.


Ajman and Kalba will have to wait until the completion of the play offs before their first day opponents are decided.   

There is plenty of stories in just the first game of the season so it is sure to be a season of twists and turns as we get set for the start of another Etisalat Pro League.