Sport | Football
Al Shabab prove worthy winners
Al Shabab are deserving winners of the etisalat First Division League title because of the efforts of the club's management, the technical staff, the team's fans and above all the players.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:19 May 23, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- Al Shabab players and officials celebrate at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium after winning the etisalat First Division title following a draw against title rivals Al Jazira.
Abu Dhabi: Al Shabab are deserving winners of the etisalat First Division League title because of the efforts of the club's management, the technical staff, the team's fans and above all the players.
The club clinched the title on Wednesday after playing out a 0-0 draw with Al Jazira - their third championship success.
The players have shown great tactical understanding this season which has allowed them to head the table from the second week.
They have also secured a berth in next year's Asian Champions League - the first time in the club's history.
The biggest improvement in the team was in midfield.
The players were dynamic in assisting the attack by creating chances and scoring goals, while at the same time defending stoutly and preventing opponents from finding space to exploit.
The midfielders showed great mutual understanding, fighting spirit and integrity, and proved to have an excellent understanding with head coach Toninho Cerezo.
Star team
Cerezo, who was famous in his playing days with Brazil as an outstanding midfielder, was another major reason for the club's great progress. The team had finished the last three seasons in sixth.
Cerezo believes in a star team and not star players and used his knowledge to build a team of players with equal capabilities, who could work as one group.
The team were also blessed with goal scorers all over the park, which explains a lack of presence in the league's top scorer list despite the club having netted 44 goals in a very successful attacking campaign.
Local players and their foreign colleagues have all been motivated to do their best by thousands of loyal fans, who stood behind them home and away.
They have shown their loyalty when the Al Shabab have been down and playing some of their worst matches, and were a major factor the club recovered quickly from some bad results during the campaign.
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