Abu Dhabi: If you feel that the main reason behind the success of the newly crowned Arabian Gulf League champions Al Jazira was because they were a controversy free and a sorted side, then is it not true.
They had their share of worries, highs and lows but what kept them sailing smoothly through thick and thin, was a coach who was given the freedom to keep all his cards close to his heart and trade at his own will.
“Yes, things have happened here in Jazira but we kept everything within the family and we didn’t communicate with the press and the outside world. We kept the problem within ourselves and solved them. That has been the key and was the outstanding thing, compared to other clubs,” said coach Henk Ten Cate revealing the secret behind their success ahead of their last outing against Al Dhafra on Friday.
“If you see throughout the season, we have changed a few players but silently without rumours. Some foreign players left and even local players left but quietly, we made our family stronger and stronger until we reached the moment that I thought this is the real family. Now we can talk business,” added Ten Cate, who said he wanted to dedicate the title to Baba Mohammad and Jaleel Yousuf, the men who are in-charge of the kit of the players.
“I call it Baba’s championship because normally the people who do this work never get the credit they deserve. He and Jaleel are more important than everybody because every day when we come here, the kit is ready, nicely washed and it smells good and players have nothing to bother about. The players can go out with a smile and everything is ready,” said Ten Cate, who added that on the field they have the perfect backbone comprising striker Ali Mabkhout, midfielder Mbark Boussoufa, defender Fares Juma and goalkeeper Ali Khaseif.
“You need to qualify to attain success and for that we had the spine. Then each and every one gave 100 per cent and believed in one thing. We believed in lot of hardwork. Nobody knows how many times we trained twice a day and the hours we put in the gym. A majority of the games we won in the second-half in the last part and that has to be attributed to all the training,” said Ten Cate.
If Jazira go to tame Al Dhafra at home on Friday they will become the first team to win 22 matches since the league turned professional.
With that they will also end up on the biggest high of finishing the season with a 100 per cent record at home.
“There are a lot of circumstances on why we have to win this game and that’s why I think it’s a really important match for us,” said Ten Cate adding, “First of all, it’s our last home game for our supporters and we should win this for them. We can break the record and this is important. We have won all our games and it will be something unique to win 13 home matches.”
The Dutchman also felt that his local players will be keen to figure in this final outing in front of home fans, as the moment will be etched in history and in their life forever. Hence, providing everyone an opportunity and to get the desired result will be a challenge.
“I have a full squad to choose from and for the team especially, the local players it’s a chance to make history. There are a lot of local players who live in this country and what nicer way to be remember in 20 or 25 years than that you were part of the winning team. It would be special and I want a fresh team to finish the season in style and finish it the way we want it,” revealed Ten Cate, whose team has accumulated 65 points from 25 matches.
Arabian Gulf League fixtures
Friday
Al Jazira v Dhafra 6.10pm
Saturday (All kick-offs 6.05pm)
Hatta v Wasl
Ahli v Bani Yas
Shabab v Wahda
Al Ain v Kalba
Emirates v Nasr
Dibba v Sharjah
