Dubai: The success achieved by Brazilian coach Ze Mario when he led Al Wasl to a double - President's Cup and the etisalat First Division League title - last season has encouraged other clubs to hire Brazilian coaches after a long stint of the European coaches.
The first Brazilian coach to work in the UAE was Danilo Alves, who came in 1979 for Al Shabab club. He led them to win the President's Cup in 1981 as the first title in the club's history at that time.
The UAE clubs signed with many Brazilian coaches in the 1980s. Al Wasl roped in with Nunes, who was behind the club winning the league title for the first time in 1982. Nunes also helped them to retain the crown next year.
Two Brazilian coaches led Al Wasl to clinch the title in two occasions: Garcia in 1985 and Arthur Bernard in 1997, although the latter came at the middle of the season.
Al Nasr signed with Brazilian Sebastian Lapola in 1983, the team just managed to stave off relegation in his first season.
However, the Al Nasr board were patient with him and Lapola reposed their faith. He led Al Nasr to their greatest success in in the club's history, winning when they won three titles - two President's Cup and a league title in 1986 - in four month's time.
Major force
Brazilian Nelson led Al Ain to win the league title in 1984. The UAE national team also benefited from Brazilian coaches. Carlos Alberto Parriera coached the UAE between 1984 - 1988. Parriera, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994, contributed in making UAE a major force in the Asian football.
However, the most successful achievement in the UAE soccer was achieved by a Brazilian coach. Legend Mario Zagalo, who won the World Cup as a player 1958 and a coach 1970, led UAE to a historic achievement when they reached the World Cup Finals in Italy in 1990. The Brazilian coaches, who trained most of the UAE clubs in the 1980s and mid 1990s, disappeared in the last decade.
The first division clubs continued with European coaches until Ze Mario succeeded with Al Wasl last season.
Now four clubs will be led by Brazilians. Al Nasr have signed with Mancini, Al Wahda with Ivo, Al Shabab with Cerezio while Al Wasl renewed the contract of Ze Mario.
Al Ain are looking for a Brazilian, also Sharjah, Al Shaab and Emirates club didn't decide yet and on their top list are Brazilian coaches.
Four clubs will be led by Brazilians.Al Nasr have signed with Mancini, Al Wahda with Ivo, Al Shabab with Cerezio while Al Wasl have Ze Mario.
