Eissa, Khaseif and Ramadan eye President’s Cup final glory

DUBAI: This week’s President’s Cup Final at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium is more than a football match. It is an occasion defined by the honor of lifting a trophy that carries immense national significance, presented in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE.

The showpiece on Friday, May 22, brings together two of the most decorated sides in UAE football. Al-Ain FC and Al-Jazira Club meet in the final for the first time in 10 years. Al-Jazira won on penalties in their last appearance in the final.

Amongst the Al-Jazira squad preparing for Friday’s final, Abdullah Ramadan approaches the match with a particular sense of occasion. For the midfielder, it will be his first ever President’s Cup final appearance.

Ask him what comes to mind when he hears the words President’s Cup, the answer is immediate. “Without a doubt, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan,” said Ramadan.

His message to supporters was equally clear. “My message to our supporters is to stand firmly behind us in the final. God willing, we will win this title and celebrate together.”

Alongside him stands a man who knows this stage better than almost anyone. Goalkeeper and club captain Ali Khaseif has spent 21 years at Al-Jazira and has already lifted the President’s Cup three times in his career.

“Honestly, the very first thing that comes to mind is the dream of having the ultimate honor to shake hands with the president,” said Khaseif.

“I encourage everyone to attend, as we want to show the world that the UAE continues to prosper and stand strong under the guidance of its wise leadership.”

On the opposite side of the pitch stands a player whose relationship with this trophy is perhaps the most remarkable of