Oliveira targets maiden Super Cup medal

Dubai: Al Jazira’s Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira knows how important it is to win against Al Ain as he sets his sights on a maiden Etisalat Super Cup medal here tonight.

“At Al Jazira we are looking at the bigger picture, keeping in mind what happened to us last season [when they lost in a penalty shootout to Al Wahda after a 2-2 draw]. We need to win and take as much confidence we can from the Super Cup for the rest of the season,” Oliveira told media at the pre-match conference here yesterday.

In the four years of the Super Cup competition, Al Ain — last year’s UAE Pro League champions — have made one previous appearance and secured the trophy against Al Ahli in 2009. President’s Cup holders Al Jazira were unlucky last season when they succumbed to that 6-5 shootout loss to neighbours Al Wahda.

Oliveira is no stranger to the big league, having started his career in his native Brazil before migrating to Spain, spending time with Real Betis and Valencia. This is now his fourth season with Al Jazira and the 32-year-old is well aware of what is required of him.

“We are ready for this game even though we know it is not going to be easy. Al Ain will be a tough opponent but we are here to take this trophy. I will do my best,” Oliveira said.

“We have a good team but we are up against a champion side. We have the ambition to take this title. The league has improved so much since the past few years and we realise we have to be ready for the entire season.

“The secret for us is to work hard and do well in all the games and this will be our target this season. Of course, every season our objective is to win. We need to be strong mentally and believe in our abilities while following the coach’s instructions.

“The Al Jazira players are ready and I hope to show everyone what we are capable of.”