Noureddine Obaidi believes his previous success with Al Ahli can spur Bani Yas onto glory during this year’s President’s Cup.
A season that promised much at the beginning has largely petered out into mediocrity, with the competition providing the Sky Blues with one final chance of earning some silverware.
Bani Yas finished a poor ninth in the Arabian Gulf League and failed to make the Arabian Gulf Cup knockout stages, finishing bottom of Group A with just four points.
Bani Yas assistant Obaidi led the Red Knights to Super Cup success during his one season in charge in 2009-10 and was also involved in their 2008 President’s Cup and 2008-09 league success. He wants to replicate that with the Sky Blues.
“I hope to go to the final,” said the man brought on board by Dr Abdullah Misfer in March following Luis Garcia’s dismissal.
“I have been a champion in all competitions in the UAE with Al Ahli, the President’s Cup, league, Super Cup and I hope to do the same with Bani Yas.
“When I was a champion before I felt very happy and I want to feel the same way again, I want this feeling with Bani Yas.”
Obaidi claims today’s opponents Emirates Club will pose a threat, buoyed by beating relegation.
“They are not going down a division so they can rest,” said the Moroccan.
Renan Garcia (r) and Emirates avoided relegation from the AGL
“They will come in a good mood and we don’t forget that in 2010 they were relegated but they won the cup, so we know Emirates are dangerous in the cup.”
Defender Abdulsalem Mohammed will be the only player absent for Bani Yas at Al Nasr’s Al Maktoum Stadium tomorrow, while Obaidi is buoyed by the performance of youngsters and fringe players in their 3-0 defeat to Al Wahda in their final Arabian Gulf League game of the season on Sunday.
“Against Wahda the young players were good. The first team was rested and the second team played, now we can choose a lot of players against Emirates,” said Obaidi
“All the players are available, we have lots of choices. I think we can win with any team. I don’t care about what Emirates’ strengths are because I think my team, if they concentrate, can beat any team.”
Defender Thamer Mohammed could feature for the first time this season. The 31-year-old underwent knee surgery six months ago.
“We have one target, the cup. Me and the players say we need this cup,” said Mohammed, who returned to the Sky Blues last summer following stints at Al Ahli and Al Wasl.
“After a long injury I am ready. I have not played much because maybe it wasn’t a good time, but I am ready any time. I am training now and have played three matches with the Under-21’s and three friendly games. I am ready.”