Mohamed Abdullah Tarbhan, head of the football club at Dibba Al-Hisn, stated that the competitions of the First Division «Amateurs» require exceptional support from the Football Association, especially on organizational and technical levels, and with VAR technology, to reduce the gap between it and the professional league. This will also help promoted clubs better adapt to the requirements of the top league and address the common concept of the «promoted team is relegated,» as he put it.
The Dibba Al-Hisn team currently sits third in the league table with 36 points, behind the leader United with 43 points and second-placed Al-Shaab with 37 points, while Hatta, Al-Arabi, and Al-Uruba are among the top six teams.
Mohamed Tarbhan told «Al-Ittihad»: «The First Division needs more support to get closer to the level of the professional league, because narrowing the gap between the two competitions will benefit UAE football in general. The better the level of the First Division, the more ready the promoted teams are to compete in the professional league».
VAR is a necessity
Tarbhan also revealed that the lack of regular use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in First Division matches is one of the challenges facing teams competing for promotion and relegation. He explained that the call for the technology's implementation does not diminish the referees' efforts.
«We greatly appreciate the great efforts made by match referees, but the presence of VAR technology has become part of the modern football system, and it helps referees make the right decisions, giving the competition more justice and clarity,» he clarified.
Promotion Ambitions
Tarbhan clarified that the Dibba Al-Hisn club is dealing with the current season with a clear vision, aiming to be promoted to the professional league in first place by achieving stability in the technical and administrative aspects.
«We aspire to secure promotion early, and we have been working since the start of the season to address the challenges the team faced,» he continued. «Any drop in results is just a setback that can be overcome with work, focus, and team spirit».
He added: «The atmosphere in the team's dressing room is very positive, with clear discipline and control over the team's affairs, which directly reflects the players' performance on the field».
Nine Finals
Tarbhan pointed out that the club's management is keen to provide all the requirements for the team's success, whether in terms of players or the technical and administrative staff.
«We treat every match as a separate tournament, especially since we have nine remaining matches that can be described as 10 finals,» he said. «Therefore, we maintain our focus in every round».
He added: «The contracts the club made during the winter transfer window had a positive impact in supporting the team, as the Cameroonian player Pierre Koundé was a good technical addition, along with several other elements that contributed to strengthening the team. The team also includes a group of experienced leaders».
Coach Bruno
Tarban praised the technical work of Portuguese coach Bruno Pereira, confirming: «The coach is providing distinguished technical work and leading the team with a high level of professionalism, along with the important role played by the administrative staff in providing a stable atmosphere that helps the team focus and achieve its goals».
Tarbhan spoke about the team's fans, saying: «The Dibba Al-Hisn club enjoys good attendance, and our fans are known for their sports culture and keenness to support the team. Their natural ambition is to see the team win in every match».
