Fujairah FC's first-team midfielder, Abderrahman Juma Rabea (25), has described his team's chances of promotion to the Pro League as 'good and strong,' reflecting the technical strengths the team possesses this season.
Fujairah currently sits fifth in the First Division League with 29 points, having played one fewer game than the teams above them: Al-United (37 points), Dibba Al-Hisn (36), Al-Arabi (32), and Al-Dhaid (31).
Abderrahman is considered one of the most prominent local playmakers in the First Division League, having created five goal-scoring opportunities and scoring one goal during the current season.
In an interview with 'Al-Ittihad', Abderrahman stated that the technical role he plays with the team has given him great confidence, as he has contributed to achieving important victories that have placed Fujairah in the circle of teams competing for promotion. He affirmed that the praise from followers of the league represents a moral and technical motivation for him to continue developing and working according to the guidance of the technical and administrative staff.
'The Secret of Beginnings'
Abderrahman also explained that he benefited greatly from his father, the renowned coach Juma Rabea, saying: 'If it weren't for my father, I wouldn't have reached this stage. He taught me the basics of football since childhood and always advised me to play in the simplest way possible and not to get emotional on the field.'
He added: 'I also learned from him to respect the coach's decisions, whether I was a starter or not, and to stay away from arrogance, because a true player is measured by his character before his level.'
'The Sharjah Experience'
Regarding his previous experience with Sharjah Club, he clarified that he did not get enough playing time: 'I used to play for limited minutes, and with the presence of local and foreign players, competition became tougher, so I preferred to move to the First Division to seek a bigger opportunity to prove myself.'
He added: 'In the First Division, I play as a starter or a first substitute, and this has given me great confidence.' He pointed out that the opportunity to return to the Pro League is still possible, and that there are several local players capable of proving themselves when given the chance.
'A Goal... and an Asian Memory'
Abderrahman confirmed that his goal against Al-United this season is the closest to his heart, as it came in an important match that ended with a win for Fujairah. Additionally, the victory was achieved against a team coached by Italian coach Andrea Pirlo.
He also mentioned that one of the most prominent moments in his career was his participation against the Iranian club Tractor in the 2020 AFC Champions League under coach Abdulaziz Al-Anbari, considering that experience a significant milestone in his career.
'A Call to the Fans'
Regarding the decline in attendance, he said that the timing of First Division League matches coinciding with Pro League matches affects the number of spectators, stressing the importance of finding a mechanism that contributes to enhancing fan support, especially in the crucial stage of the season.
He noted that he benefited a lot from the advice of his brother Omar, who previously played in the Pro League, expressing his pride in his career and his ambition to reach the same level.
At the end of his speech, Abderrahman emphasized that Fujairah's chances of promotion are still strong, saying: 'The hope is great, and we are doing what we have to do on the field, and we hope to achieve the goal of this season.'
