MAKKAH, 12 June 2007 — Jamal Al-Tunsi ended speculations about his future at Wehda football club when he said he was stepping down as president of the Makkah-based club.
Al-Tunsi told Arab News his decision is final and that he already submitted his resignation to the General Presidency of Youth Welfare, effectively quashing hopes of him staying back after some well-meaning members had persuaded him to stay for at least one more season.
Al-Tunsi’s departure comes after Wehda enjoyed a very successful season in 40 years, reaching the Final Four and finishing third place in the King’s Cup competition.
Al-Tunsi cited family and health reasons for his resignation although it was the perceived lack of financial support from honorary members of Wehda club that precipitated his decision to leave.
He said, “Many honest members of Wehda club tried to convince me to stay and continue for another season. The situation is critical at Wehda club and what is most important now is the support we are going to give to the club. It is enough now that Wehda club is in a very strong situation after a very successful season and in the third ranking of the Saudi league after a heavy competition from other strong teams like Hilal, Ahli and Ittihad. Wehda managed to earn the respect of the other teams.”
Al-Tunsi said German coach Theo Bucker was one of the main reasons behind Wehda success this season after he managed to build a very strong and young team. “He was not the only reason behind the success. The huge success was the product of long years of hard work in rebuilding a team. We are not underestimating Bucker’s efforts but the true lovers of Wehda club were the main reason behind the Wehda success,” said Al-Tunsi.
He said that Wehda club is in need of a cash injection of SR10 million to renew contract with players like Hamadji and Indawi. The team also need to renew the contract of Saudi players like the star goalkeeper Assaf Al-Garni and Al-Khaybari.
“I wish that Wehda members would be able to raise this cash so we can renew the contracts,” said Al-Tunsi.
He added, “I am very satisfied with what Wehda players gave last season. It was a very successful season by all means. We proved to people that we mean business and that we were also interested strongly in winning the cup. We will come back next season and we will continue to show the best performance that would make the people of Makkah proud of us.”
A true-blue Wehda fan, Al-Tunsi said he would continue to support the team even if he was no longer a part of the management.
