Al Wahda have gone double Dutch and hired VVV-Venlo’s Maurice Steijn as replacement for inspirational veteran Henk ten Cate.
The Clarets had been locked in talks with the 45-year-old coach since they were unable to convince his sage countryman to delay retirement, once again, and extend an impressive five-month stint at Al Nahyan Stadium. Agreement on a one-year renewable deal has been secured, meaning he will lead new employers into the 2019 AFC Champions League’s round-of-16 in August against Saudi Professional League holders Al Nassr.
Steijn has never previously worked away from his native Netherlands. A five-year stint at VVV – which made him the Eredivisie’s longest-serving boss – culminated with a 12th-placed finish in 2018/19.
“Al Wahda Football Club Company signed with the Dutch football manager Maurice Steijn, 46-years old, for a year on a renewable contract to take over the management of the football team as successor of Henk ten Cate, the previous manager of Al Wahda,” Wahda tweeted on Sunday.
“Maurice Steijn will start his tasks of managing and preparing the first team from the end of June in the training camp until August, where the team will be preparing for the next season and the 2019 AFC Champions League’s round-of-16.
“Al Wahda Management Council wishes the best for the football team and the manager, as well as his technical and management teams.”
Steijn also came close to replacing Ten Cate, 64, at Al Jazira for 2017/18. He will soon travel to the UAE with assistant coach Jay Driessen.
The former midfielder experienced an unremarkable playing career at ADO Den Haag and NAC Breda, prior to retiring in 2001.
He was an assistant at ADO and then led them from June 2011-February 2014. He joined VVV in July 2014, gaining promotion from the Eerste Divisie in his third season at the helm.
Wahda began last term miserably under Laurentiu Reghecampf, but recovered to finish third. They also halted a 12-year absence from the ACL knockouts.