Ten Cate hopes for glory days return at Jazira

Denzil Pinto 10:40 21/11/2016
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  • Goals from Ali Mabkhout and Khalfan Mubarak sealed the points on Saturday for Al Jazira.

    Henk Ten Cate feels Al Jazira’s 2-0 triumph over Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli is proof they are on the right track to becoming one of the country’s top teams once again.

    Goals from Ali Mabkhout and Khalfan Mubarak sealed the points on Saturday for the Pride of Abu Dhabi, who sit second in the AGL standings and are yet to lose in seven matches so far this season.

    Having taken charge last December with the club languishing in 13th position, Ten Cate has vowed to make the President’s Cup winners among the best in the UAE, and the Dutchman is pleased his players are showing their worth.

    “I said before the game that I wondered where do we stand if you compare us to teams like Al Ahli and Al Ain,” he said.

    “I think we are closing the gap and are getting closer. We still have to work very hard to get where we want to be but the team is on its way. We’re still trying to get more out of the team than what it is now but I’m happy with how we played.”

    The 61-year-old was particularly impressed with Mabkhout, who netted for the 10th time this term.

    “Hopefully all the people who have criticised Ali Mabkhout have seen today what he’s capable of,” he said. “Maybe people will believe that he’s by far the best striker in this country.”

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