Sparky’s Column

Nearly Half a Season Down and Two Clear Favourites Emerge

It is looking more like a two-horse race in the Etisalat Pro-League as we near the end of the first half of the season. Al Jazira's victory over Al Ain was as expected although the 4-0 score line may not have been, but the real result was Bani Yas' 1-0 victory over Al Wahda. This result was crucial as it has quashed any chance that Al Wahda had of retaining their title. In a way it was a coming-of-age result - the young squad will have been well aware of the importance of a victory. Such pressure can be a cue for young players to crumble but they passed the test with flying colours. I still think in the long run Al Jazira will triumph as they have strength in depth and will be hungry after finishing 2nd for the previous three seasons.

In other news the UFL board have approved the registration of two non-Emirati under 21 players in Challenge League teams. Is this finally the chance to open up the academies to young players? Previously expat players have been allowed to play under-age at the academies, but the lack of chances to graduate to the professional ranks have meant there was little or no point in developing foreign players. I hope this is the key for UAE teams to tap into the biggest pool of players that the country has to offer. Already Sharjah run expat teams but the players now have an incentive of a potential pro contract.

The final round of fixtures of 2010 take place just before Christmas. Al Jazira face a resurgent Dubai Club who have lifted themselves out of the relegation places and now just sit one point behind Al Ain. However the Club from the capital should have too much for the UAE's yo-yo club. Bani Yas have a tougher test against Al Ahli, who have a game in hand and could still make a push for 2nd place in the table. The Etisalat Pro-League will then break for the AFC Cup in January, which will give a stronger UAE side the chance to test themselves against the continent's best.

The FIFA Club World Cup gave UAE football fans the chance to see Europe's best in the shape of Inter Milan. They won easily but I don't think it's a happy Inter camp. I am sure Rafa Benetiz was very happy to see that his side would be facing TP Mazembe rather than International of Brazil in the Final of the competition. His negative post-match comments could lead to his dismissal as coach and were ill advised on such a big stage. The Inter players I spoke to all said the correct thing when interviewed but I think some of the body language I saw told a different story. The squad is pining for the special one's velvet touch rather than Rafa's cold approach. Al Wahda did as well as I expected. The match against Hekari United was a must win and realistically it was a stroll in the park for the Asian Champions. They were a different proposition and defeat was heavier than many would have wanted for Al Wahda, but it reflected the current gap between the Asian powerhouses of football and the teams from the Gulf region.