At the end of last season, Javad Kazemian was an Al Shabab player, beaming as he wore the winner's medal after a triumphant campaign. He had scored nine goals in 15 appearances as Al Shabab won their third Division One title, and first since 1995. The Iranian, 26, with deceptive pace inside the box, had played an integral part in the Slashers' success. But he sought a new challenge, moving away from the Al Maktoum Stadium to the promoted side Ajman.
Many would question the wisdom of that decision. Ajman, since their establishment in 1974, have mostly been a lower division side, with just one appearance in the top league. But he believes he has made the right choice. "There is a great optimism in the side," he says. "The team have a good mix of youth and experience, and the spirits are high. We are really looking forward to the start of the season."
There have been some major changes at Ajman for the new season with a new coach, the Iraqi Abdul Wahab Abdul Qader, at the helm. The club will be without the services of the forward Diara, who scored 37 goals last season. The Ivory Coast player was on a season-long loan from Al Nasr and will be plying his trade for Dubai this season. Ali Samereh has been brought in from Al Shaab as reinforcement.
Samereh, 30, who spent a season in Italy with Perugia in 2001-2002 and is one of the leading goalscorers in the UAE league with 47 goals, will partner Kazemian upfront, while the Moroccan Abdulhaq Ait Aarif will be the creative engine in the midfield. Aarif arrives from the Qatar club Al Garrafa and manager Ahmed al Raisi has billed the capture as an important signing. "Bringing Abdulhaq from Al Garrafa is a major coup for us, getting Kazemian was also a big boost for the club," he says.
"We have also made some good signings in the local market and youngsters coming through the youth side, like Ali Khamis, Abdullah Jamhee and Mohammed Yakoub should provide for an exciting season." Locally, Ajman have brought in the former UAE international Abdulrahman Ibraheem from Al Shaab, Mohammed Saeed from Al Oruba and Hussein Ali Hassan Harbi al Balooshi from Dubai. "Bringing in players like Abdulrahman and Abdulhaq shows the club is really serious about the upcoming season," adds Kazemian.
"The management has big goals for the future. "The club have one of the best management you can find. "The speed with which they finalised my contract makes you feel wanted. "It gives you that extra motivation: it raises your spirit and helps you perform at more than a 100 per cent for the club. "The fans have also been great. The club's large popular base will also be a great help when the Pro League starts."
Ajman will start their campaign at home against Al Wasl, the 2006-2007 President's Cup and League winners, who finished seventh last season. In the second week, they will travel to Al Ahli. "It is going to be a tough start for us," says Raisi. "Al Ahli are the President's Cup champions and Al Wasl won the double in the season before. "They did not do well last season, but they are still a top side.
"So, we have to make sure we get off to a good start and keep improving. The coach is working hard on it. "The team are developing very well. We had a good camp in the Czech Republic and the team has shown a lot of progress, but there is always room for improvement. "We have not set any goals for the season, but sixth or seventh is a realistic target. "Of course, our eventual goal is to win the Pro League, but it will take time and a lot of effort. Inshallah, it will happen soon." arizvi@thenational.ae