Dzsudzsak delivers on President's Cup promise to Wahda

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  • Balazs Dzsudzsak was proud to show he’s a man of his word after the Hungary winger’s star power brought an end to Al Wahda’s 17-year wait for another President’s Cup.

    Dzsudzsak, 30, scored a rebound from his own penalty and produced a swerving 25-yard thunderbolt to help defeat Al Nasr 3-0 in Friday’s one-sided showpiece. This brought the winger onto a respectable 14 goals in 35 games, following his recruitment from Turkey’s Bursaspor after a stellar showing at Euro 2016.

    Speaking after the season closer at Zayed Sports City, he revealed his joy that pre-match promises came to fruition about a second-ever win in the UAE’s premier tournament.

    “This is why they brought me here,” said the ex-PSV Eindhoven, Anzhi Makhachkala and Dynamo Moscow flyer. “I’m not a striker, but they bring me here because they think I could help bring some titles.

    “I had a meeting before with the president [Ahmed Al Rumaithi] and the Sheikh [Diab bin Zayed Al Nahyan]. I gave my word to give 120 per cent to try and give the Cup to them.

    “I know what this means for them, how much they worked for it over so many years. I am very, very happy, especially for my career as it is very good when you win such an important Cup.

    “I know the people talk and say we were just fifth in the [Arabian Gulf] League, but every game since I have been here this eight months, I was very, very impressed.

    “I am really, really satisfied. This win [President’s Cup] was the cherry on top of the cake.”

    Dzsudzsak lit up Wahda’s Cup run. He rocketed in five goals in four matches, including a nerveless 90th-minute clincher from the penalty spot against Sharjah in last month’s semi-finals.

    These moments stand in contrast to a fitful campaign in the Arabian Gulf League.

    Valuable points were drained during nine draws – the second most. This ensured victory against Nasr was required to enter the 2018 AFC Champions League.

    Dzsudzsak said: “We have a lot of good, young players and experienced ones.

    “If we had more concentration in the league against lower teams… that was this season. We dropped so many points against smaller teams.

    “Inshallah, next season we have more concentration and focus in front of the goal. That is the secret.”

    The club’s next engagement is in the rebranded Arab Club Championship from July 22-August 5 in Egypt.

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