Sparky’s Column

Macara Eyes and Crowds Rise

Last week I said it was unusual for all the league’s coaches to be in place two games into the season, well it was too good to last. The third game proved a step too far for Dragan Talajic of Kalba, the Croatian stopper was shown the door after a 6-0 loss to Al Wahda. The coaches record conceding 16 goals  scoring just 2 tells its own story. The start to the season could have barely been worse and it was inevitable that the axe would fall.  He is vastly experienced in the region having managed in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain so don't be surprised if he pops up again here soon.

My game of choice this weekend was Al Nasr's 4-2 victory over Al Shabab. Al Nasr's Mascara was easy on the eye this weekend, apologies for the pun but his brace against Al Shabab oozed quality. The Italian has shown that he has the ability to shine in the league and Walter Zenga will be hoping that his new addition can provide the final kick in the chase for the title.

The crowds last weekend are encouraging for Al Wasl and Al Jazira. The gates of eight and nine thousand apiece are proof that the effects of media and marketing have paid off. The Maradona effect last season brought many people to Zabeel stadium that had never set foot in a UAE football ground. Al Jazira's huge marketing push of 2010/11 means they still have a large number of fans who have remained loyal to the club. It seems there are two different strategies if you want to attract fans in the country and I wonder if other clubs will follow suit?

This weekend brings international football and the Etisalat Cup. It is a chance for clubs to blood younger players whilst the seasoned internationals are away. In Al Jazira's case they will have to play a 4th choice keeper with all other options being on loan or international duty. It's an unexpected call up for Ahmed Al Shabibi who at 19 has only appeared for the reserves at the club.  Good luck to the young custodian on his debut versus Bani Yas.