Sparky’s Column

Maradona brings international media attention to UAE

Diego Maradona........ controversial, volatile and unpredictable. The man is box office wherever he goes - he provokes a reaction from fans ranging from love to hate. Personally I love him! The 1986 World Cup was all Maradona and, bar the handball, I was mesmerised watching him in Argentina's triumph.  The reaction to his appointment at Al Wasl has reverberated all over the world. I have scanned various websites for the international media's reaction to El Diego's appointment. The Huffington Post is more famed as a liberal political website in the USA, "soccer" coverage is low on its list of priorities. Maradona made the sites front page and as you would expect from the self proclaimed voice of reason, it did not focus on the negative but stuck to the facts of the appointment. They gave an insight into the Argentinean's celebrations for his new post as he jetted off to Madrid and his daughter's birthday partly. The Sun in the UK took time out from writing about the Super Injunction footballers to stick to the facts on the Maradona appointment. The comments from readers underneath the story are more representative of what people think. They move from delight to scepticism with each passing opinion. No one doubts Maradona's ability as a player but the jury's out on him as a coach. The Guardian in the UK concentrates on the players who have expressed an interest in joining the club. Diego Forlan appears high on the list as the Uruguayan enters the latter stages of his career. Opinion in the local press ranged from amazement to speculating on his approach to the task in hand. One paper even had a day by day breakdown of the negotiations. The press frenzy is dying down for now but once the season starts the world's media will once again pack the tiny press box with all eyes on the touchline.

Onto other news, the remarkable turnaround for team of the Etisalat Pro-League season, Dubai Club is almost complete.  The win over Al Dhafra 6-4 on the weekend has virtually seen them safe from relegation. The minnows from Al Awir have shown that they can mix it with the big boys. Dubai's football fans' focus this season has been on Cannavaro's Al Ahli and latterly Al Wasl, but the real story has been a team performing minor miracles in a quiet corner of the desert.

Al Jazira are champions but they will have to wait for their final game of the season on June 5 to raise the trophy. What a night that will be! Champions for the first time and one fan will drive off in a Ferrari courtesy of the club. Al Jazira have taken football to the next level off the pitch in the UAE and I am sure next season will be bigger and better. I am just looking forward to seeing a fan fly off in a helicopter or private plane for kicking the ball into the goal from the halfway line. That reminds me I must get my boots out of the cupboard for the end of season, you never know.