Sparky’s Column

It’s a game of 90 minutes goes the old cliche

It's a game of 90 minutes goes the old cliche, but Al Jazira will be very glad it's a game of 95. The last gasp equaliser against Al Ahli was a crushing blow to David O'Leary's men but could prove vital at the end of the season. Al Ain could only manage a draw with Al Wahda so it leaves the two big spenders neck and neck. Pole position is currently being occupied by Al Wasl and Baniyas which would be a surprise to most. Personally I like the way Baniyas have approached life in the Pro-League. Last season's home games were played away as the Club built a new stadium. The new infrastructure this season is backed up by some high quality youth players who were part of the Asian Championship winning UAE side. Last season's signing of Andre Sanghor has proved very astute, he is a proven goal scorer in the League and has settled well in the region. I think the Club could push for a champions league spot this season.

The Etisalat Pro-League seems to be creeping into the consciousness of the expat community. I noticed a lot more at the Al Ahli vs Al Jazira game, largely because of what I call the 'Cannavaro effect'. The new fans are rooted in the traditions of the European leagues and have certain expectations. The action on the pitch is important but everything else that goes into being a professional club needs to match up. Al Ahli don't have Cannavaro shirts for sale, yet have received thousands of requests for them. The National newspaper recently published a letter from an expat fan who was desperate for an Al Wahda shirt, apparently they were proving very hard to come by. Al Wasl and Al Jazira are exceptions to this rule... they understand that a shirt on the back of a child playing football with his friends does your marketing for you. It is a useful source of revenue as well.

Al Jazira have put a huge amount of resources into getting people into the stadium with some success. They have a dedicated budget to help achieve their ambition but the size of your wallet isn't everything. Sharjah Football Club tucked away in industrial area 6 of the Emirate are a case in point. The work being done there with the community is outstanding and they are going quietly about their business. Sharjah realise that a club their size in a less glamourous Emirate will not match the razzamatazz of the capital. They have undertaken a number of initiatives involving local schools, clubs and their own soccer school. The idea is simple, you will feel part of the Club and not just a fan looking in from a distance. This is football in the community model used by lower league clubs in England and works well at prising a few fans away from the bright lights of the Premier League. I think Sharjah are very proactive in their thinking and it will get them results.

Some very interesting clashes await us this weekend. Baniyas versus Al Jazira will really test if this season's surprise package are ready to mix it with the big boys. Al Ain at home to Al Ahli will see if David O'Leary's boys can put in a performance away from home, where they have looked wobbly to say the least. The final game worth a mention is yet another Dubai derby Al Shabab versus Al Wasl who have recovered well from an early season mauling by Al Ahli to sit at the top of the Pro-League.

 

Mark 'Sparky' Pendergast