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Coach Kader on a mission with underdogs
Ajman coach Abdul Wahab Abdul Kader is a man on a mission. He is in an unique position this year as he leads Ajman to their first-ever journey through the top tier of UAE professional football.
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:02 October 1, 2008
- Cizar De Souza of Al Ahli tries to head the ball as Ajman goalkeeper Mohammad Husain Saleh leaps to make a save during their UFL match. Though Al Ahli won 2-0, Ajman, newcomers to the top flight, produced a good display.
- Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
Dubai: Ajman coach Abdul Wahab Abdul Kader is a man on a mission. He is in an unique position this year as he leads Ajman to their first-ever journey through the top tier of UAE professional football.
"We are the new faces here and no one knew what we were capable of when we started the season," Abdul Kader admits.
Their debut in the UAE Football League (UFL) started on a losing note when they went down at home by a solitary goal to former champions Al Wasl.
"But everyone saw that Ajman had many more scoring chances in that game, but yet they [Al Wasl] won and we ended as the losing team," Kader points.
"At the end of the day, we did prove that we are capable of playing against the best, and that is the heartening part for us," he adds.
Last weekend, Ajman put up another gutsy display before falling to Al Ahli 0-2 to end two weeks with no points to their credit so far.
"Losing to Al Wasl or Al Ahli is a logical result for a new team like Ajman. But, we did try and what angers me is that these were two games that we could have even won," Kader reflects.
However, their display did win over a lot of fans for Ajman. "We can do better, but we need to start scoring," Kader admits.
The results of the first two games, though negative, have given a lot of hope and confidence to the coach for the future, provided, the club management is willing to be patient for the results.
On right path
"My aim is to build a team for the future and our performances in the last two games does indicate that we are on the right path. We do not care who our opponent is, we are not overawed with any of the clubs as we take it as an experience," Kader said.
Experience, of course, can come only with time. "This is our first year in the league, whereas all the other 11 clubs have been participating in this competition for more than 30 years now. How do we compare?" the coach questions.
"We are clear about what we want to achieve with Ajman. But we need the administration to be patient and give us the time needed to start gelling as a team," admitted the Iraqi coach.
Kader was candid enough to admit that one of the most 'happening' things in UAE football and in the Gulf region is the regular sacking of coaches by managements.
"I do not want to debate the sacking of coaches here," Kader smiles.
"But I do know that these players have put in a lot of hard work to be where we are at this moment. I also know that they are willing to put in more hard work as the season progresses," Kader vouches.
"The future looks good for us, but we only need some patience," he shrugged.
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