Maradona managing Fujairah FC will boost tourism, say hoteliers

FUJAIRAH // The quiet east coast city of Fujairah and the internationally renowned football legend Diego Maradona may be unusual bedfellows, but the reality of their new partnership is slowly sinking in with businesses and residents in the area.

For a man widely regarded as one of the greatest to have played the beautiful game, it came as something of a shock on Sunday to learn that he was ending his five years out of football to take the reins at Fujairah FC, a club in the second tier of the sport in the UAE.

News that the 56-year-old would be taking over travelled fast around the city, with football fans thrilled to get the chance to see an icon in their hometown and businesses hoping that he will bring a tourism boost.

“Bringing a legend like Maradona to the area will definitely boost tourism and shed light on Fujairah,” said Khaled Zaki, manager of Millennium Hotel Fujairah.

“Fans from around the GCC will come to see the legend in person, along with national and international media coverage.”

Mr Zaki said he expected to see an increase in the number of visitors to the emirate when next season started.

“It’s the No 1 most popular sport in the world and he is a living legend, so definitely this will enhance domestic tourism as people will rather stay for more than one day to enjoy Fujairah and see Maradona live,” he said.

Fans of Fujairah FC, who finished fourth and missed out on promotion back to the top flight of UAE football last season, have started practising their Spanish so they can interact with the ­Argentine at games.

“Hola Maradona,” said Abdullah Al Bloushi. “It’s unbelievable but true and I’m not dreaming – Maradona is coming to Fujairah and we will have the chance to meet him. That’s why I learnt how to say hello in Spanish.

“We decided to learn more Spanish words to cheer for him at the match along with our team. All the world will now know about Fujairah and ­become interested in it and that will bring many tourists and ­investors.”

Mr Al Bloushi, a 27-year-old Emirati father of two, was confident that Maradona could turn around the club’s fortunes.

“By joining Fujairah he will take the team to a new level through his experience and hopefully we will participate in international championships,” he said.

Another fan was also confident the fan base would expand and people would become more aware of Fujairah.

“We are all excited to see him coaching the team,” said Saif Ali, 37, an Emirati father of three.

“They are very lucky and the area will get more attention.

“It’s a smart decision and everybody will benefit from it on many levels. My kids will get very excited when they know about it.”

Entekhab Jamal, manager of Orient Travels and Tourism Agency, said having Maradona in Fujairah would be great for the area.

“This will attract residents from around the country, not only tourists,” he said. ­“Fujairah’s name is all around the media ­today and this will help the ­market and increase visitors.”

The Argentine, who signed a one-year contract on Sunday, has played in four Fifa World Cups, almost single-handedly winning the 1986 tournament in Mexico.

During his club career he played for teams including Boca Juniors in his homeland, Barcelona and Napoli.

As illustrious as his playing ­career was, his record as a manager has been patchy. He managed Argentina at the 2010 World Cup where they lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals.

His last job as a manager was at Al Wasl in Dubai, but in 2012 he was sacked halfway through a two-year deal.

After that he became a sports ambassador for Dubai and “spiritual coach” for Argentine Primera D club Deportivo ­Riestra.

rhaza@thenational.ae

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