Sparky’s Column

That's Amoory

We have had some players in the UAE who have reached legendary status in the game. Ismail Matar is still playing but is already in the annals of history after being voted player of the tournament at the Under 23 World Cup in 2003.  If you add to this his goal to win the Gulf Cup then his legendary status is secured. Ismail Mubarak is the man who scored the UAE's only goal in the 1990 World Cup finals and according to the press at the time received a rolls royce for his strike in a 4-1 loss to Germany. The truth was somewhat different but being an instant legend of the game is worth more than any car.

 

I think that we are edging ever closer to Omar Abdulrahman of Al Ain reaching legendary status in the UAE. He was picked out at the Olympics by Micah Richards of Great Britain as a player who plays beautiful football. The Al Ain star made a further impression at Manchester City where he had a spell on trial with the Premier League winners. The Olympic performances which got him noticed have continued this season with some in the game saying he is Al Ain's best player, including their expensive imports. The next step is the move abroad to prove himself in Europe. Time will tell if that materialises but be left in no doubt that he is a player who will shine here or abroad for a long time.

 

Majed Nasser has made a long awaited return to the pitch after near 200 days out of professional football. He returned for the President’s Cup match versus A l Dhafra and was the hero in a penalty shootout. Al Ahli move onwards and upwards under Spanish coach Quique Sanchez Flores, he is proving his quality in the UAE by building a winning team. One former coach David O'Leary has been quoted this week saying he expected more time than his 15 games in charge because he was employed on a three year project. I can't believe any coach is really naive enough to believe he is employed for a three year project.  Ex Chelsea coach AVB was employed on a three year project but barely lasted half a season. A 3, 4 or 5 year project does not exist in football, the reality is you win your next game and the one after. That way your project moves effortlessly into as many years as you want, just ask Alex Ferguson. I am sure the five coaches who have been released this season were under no illusion that they were on projects lasting more than losing a few games.