JEDDAH, 19 October 2007 — Nebusha is a name synonymous with Ahli success the past two years. Well, he is back in response to a fans’ clamor for his return that hopefully would reverse the fortunes of embattled Al-Ahli in the Saudi Football League.
Another good news for Ahli fans: Brazilian international Kaio has been hired back.
“I am very happy that the trust is renewed to lead the team for this season. Together, we will achieve wins and trophies and we will keep the championship we won last season. I will work very hard with the team and bring it back on track,” Nebusha said in telephone interview from Serbia.
After his contract was not renewed at the end of last season that saw Ahli win a double major (Prince Faisal Cup and Crown Prince Cup) Nebusha said he spent quality time with his family back in his native Serbia.
Having failed to reach agreement with Nebusha Ahli management signed German coach Theo Bucker from Wehda only to fire him following a run of poor results including three straight defeats early in the new season.
Now reunited with Ahli, Nebusha stressed the fact that he has good relations with honorary members and that he considers himself as part of the Ahli family.
“I trust my abilities to put the team back on track,” Nebusha said. He added, “Ahli club has new faces and young players with great abilities and together we will bring happiness to the team.”
The Serbian coach arrived at Ahli club two years ago promising the team victories and trophies. In the first season, he managed to discover young faces that he said would lead the club to victories.
Ahli was paid dividends last year when the Jeddah-based club secured the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Cup and Crown Prince Cup both against city rivals Ittihad.
Nebusha is best known to take risks and never afraid to take on heavyweight opponents. Many people did not take him seriously when he declared he would defeat Ittihad in the quarterfinals of Crown Prince Cup two years ago.
He came to the match with half of his team new faces and yet made good on his declaration, beating Ittihad on penalty kicks and advancing to the semifinals.
After the two trophies, many expected that the Ahli team management would renew the contract of the coach but the opposite happened. After weeks of negotiations, Ahli club president Ahmed Marzooki announced that the club would not renew the contract with Nebusha and instead hire Bucker to lead the team.
This move surprised and angered many Ahli fans who had hoped that Nebusha would be at the helm for a third season.
Ahli suffered major defeats in just four matches under the German coach. The fans grew restless and after each defeat they were chanting “Nebusha, Nebusha, Nebusha” in decibels so high they could have been heard in all of Jeddah.
Management apparently listened. Of course, the fans were largely instrumental in Nebusha’s return to the club.
The former and new coach of Ahli club promised loyal fans good news and to bring the team back on track for the league and other competitions. Nebusha said he would work hard to restore the image of the club, adding he has great love and respect for Ahli fans.
Nebusha said all this time he was watching the Ahli matches and listening to the fans shouting his name after each match.
In his first match back with Ahli, history is bound to repeat itself as Ahli face Ittihad next Thursday.
Recalling it was also against Ittihad when he debuted as Ahli coach Nebusha said the match is very difficult since it is the derby of the western region.
“Huge crowd will be watching and attending the match. It will not be easy but I will do my best to achieve the win and the game three points.”
When all is said and done, the question remains: will the Nebusha magic still work on his second coming at Ahli or were his past achievements just a one-off thing.
