ABU DHABI // Henk ten Cate has put talks about his future with Al Jazira on hold as he seeks to enjoy and then recuperate from their President’s Cup success.
The Abu Dhabi club defeated Al Ain 6-5 on penalties in a dramatic shootout at Zayed Sports City on Sunday night after the match was tied 1-1 to seal the trophy for the third time. It was Jazira’s first title in four years.
It represents a remarkable turnaround since Ten Cate joined in late December, when the club had dismissed manager Abel Braga after a hugely disappointing opening few months of the campaign. From 16 matches in what was Braga’s second stint at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Jazira won three times. They languished 12th in the Arbaian Gulf League.
• Match report: Al Jazira edge Al Ain on penalties to win President's Cup
However, Ten Cate guided his side to a seventh-placed finish, while Sunday’s President’s Cup success means he concluded his temporary contract on a significantly positive note. For now, though, his next step remains unknown.
“We are speaking,” said Ten Cate, when asked about the possibility of a renewal. “But let’s talk about the celebrations. I am not so important. The fact of the matter is we won the President’s Cup. This is a big thing for the club.
“I have not seen my daughter, my grandson and my mother for five months. This is my first aim and first objective, to go home and enjoy the company of my family.”
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