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Dubai: Former national team defender Obaid Al Habitha has welcomed the new professional league that is due to start in the UAE next season.
"This has been long overdue for the country and I am glad that the UAE Football Association is fin-ally implementing professionalism according to the statutes laid down by the AFC," Al Habitha told Gulf News. The UAE FA last week announced the start of the new UAE Professional League involving an upper crust of 12 teams next season.
"Now is the time to move on. Soccer has made rapid changes over the past few years. We have been called to move with the flow and we need to do so without hesitating," Al Habitha said.
"If we do not move on, then we will be left behind. Football is the first love in the UAE and it is high time that we start implementing a professional culture and thinking in the sport here," he added.
Effort
The former defender for Al Shabab and the UAE felt that there is enough talent and infrastructure in the country to sustain a professional effort for the future of the game.
"There were times when Japan used to play against us and be happy with a draw. But after they became professional, they have shown so much improvement that they are one of the powerhouses of soccer in Asia," Al Habitha said.
The former UAE squad member suggested that cultivation of talent at an early age and consistent support from governing bodies are two of the most important aspects needed for the proper growth of a professional mentality in the country.
"Children who are in the under-15 age group should be the target for the development of the game throughout the country, and their minds should be cultivated with the 'pro-culture'," Al Habitha said.
"Then give them about five to six years and we will see the efforts of professionalism bearing fruit," he added.
He said that such a move towards professionalism will also enable clubs to be self-sufficient and not have to rely on government support.
"Not only will the clubs be liable to bring in the income to sustain themselves and the development of the game, they will also be in a position to wager for some publicity on the regional and international stage," Al Habitha said.
"We had to make a start somewhere and we should be glad that we have taken the first step," Al Habitha declared.
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