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29 March 2024

Future stars shine brightly for UAE football

The UAE team after winning their Gulf Cup Olympic Team under-23 final soccer match against Kuwait in Doha on Saturday. (Reuters)

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By Staff

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Honorary Chairman of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), hailed the newly crowned Under 23 Gulf Cup champions from the UAE as the shining lights of the future with the potential to bring glory to the nation at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Shaikh Hazza congratulated His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the people and residents of the UAE on the occasion of UAE’s Olympic team winning the second Under-23 Gulf Cup in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday.
 
A 33rd minute header by player of the tournament Ahmed Khalil saw the UAE pull off a 1-0 victory in the final against Kuwait at Aspire Academy indoor stadium.
 
Speaking to the UAE players and officials at the Emiri Airport in Abu Dhabi on Sunday afternoon, Shaikh Hazza said he was delighted and proud of the team for bringing home another piece of silverware since winning the AFC Under-19 Cup in 2008.
 
“The future of the country’s football is bright with those talented players who did everything right on the pitch,” said Shaikh Hazza.
 
He also mentioned that there are many national teams representing the country in the different categories and they are all promising which underlines the glorious future.
 
“I would like to thank the UAEFA under the presidency of Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi for their great efforts to raise the country’s football. The achievements which they have made did not come from nothing, but an outcome of a hard work for which we thank the FA and all those who have been working behind the Olympic national team,” said Shaikh Hazza underscoring the success achieved by homegrown coach Mahdi Ali.
 
“Now, we are confident that the local coach can bring about success should he be given the full chance.  The local coach is the right choice for the players. The local coach can better understand the players and work very closely with them,” he said.
 
Shaikh Hazza also lauded the combined professional approach of the team for the success. “There are so many factors behind this achievement on the top of which come the culture and mentality of the elements involved including the players, coaches and officials. The professional work began to pay dividends and the understanding of the society and families of the players have made the job easier,” he added.
 
Regarding his expectations for the future, Shaikh Hazza said he is confident that this generation will live up to the expectations and qualify for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
 
“All facilities have been made available for them and the FA is doing a great job,” he said.