Sparky’s Column

Sabella.. Al Jazira coach who never arrived

 

 

I want you to imagine into the future, not too far maybe just 12 months. The UAE are 0-0 in a vital World Cup qualifier against Lebanon, the clock is ticking and a goal is all that's need to take the team a step closer to the finals in Brazil. Ahmed Khalil breaks free he's one on one, rounds the keeper and is about to slot home when he is hauled down. The referee points to the spot, all eyes are now on the penalty taker. One young man picks up the ball and strides purposely towards the spot, cometh the hour cometh the man, step forward Dhiab Awana, would he be tempted to repeat his back heel trick? I doubt he would even get the ball but it would be some way to qualify for the next round.

 

 The UAE will be happy with the draw for World Cup qualifying. I am sure the representatives in Rio will have forgiven the below par entertainment that made the draw last hours rather than minutes. A that group contains South Korea, Lebanon and Kuwait means four very winnable games and less travelling than most teams in the AFC. Coach Katanec is happy, a second place finish and qualification for the next round seems well within reach. The real test will be the second round which is when the men are separated from the boys on the road to Brazil 2014.

 

Al Jazira were left holding a Mr Sabella sign up at the airport. Whoever was there had a long wait, he never arrived in the capital and Al Jazira have been left without a coach. The Argentina's manager's job is obviously the pinnacle for anyone in a football mad country and Al Jazira have shown good grace in saying they don't hold any grudges. He may live to regret his decision as the Argentina managers hotseat is just that, Maradona didn't last and his successor Batista was shown the door after a poor Copa America. Al Jazira are one of the few clubs in this region that give the coach a chance to prove himself. Abel Braga was given three years in the job, the first two were without silverware. The patience paid off,  last season the club won their first silverware and now seem to be set for a sustained period of success. Whoever eventually steps into the job may well have the AFA to thank for one of the best jobs in football.

 

The clubs in the UAE traditionally head abroad for their pre season camps the weather and the chance for the new team mates to get together are the main reason. Al Wasl are bucking the trend by staying in the UAE. They were training last week at the Dubai Sports World which is one of the exhibition halls at the trade centre that has been converted into a full size pitch. It is the sort of facility that the UAE is crying out for, a fully indoor training facility. I wonder if this will spark somebody into building such a facility and we could see teams heading here for preseason rather than the usual exodus.