Kwid jumps Dhafra ship

Mohammed Kwid has decided to return to Syria, leaving Al Dhafra in disarray.

ABU DHABI // Mohammed Kwid's decision to return to his former club Al Karama in Syria has left Al Dhafra in turmoil. The struggling Pro League club must find a new manager to lead them in next week's Emirates Etisalat Cup. An official from the club, who did not want to be named, said to be in such a predicament was a complete surprise and given the seriousness of the problem they were now holding talks with two Emirati managers.

"This was unexpected and the best option is to get someone who already knows the players," said the Dhafra official. "We don't have many options. We need to get someone very fast and we have had talks with a couple of Emirati managers. But nothing is finalised as yet." Kwid arrived in Abu Dhabi to fill the role left vacant by Ayman Ramadi, who later took charge of Al Shaab after quitting the Dhafra job a month before the start of the new season.

The Egyptian had led them to promotion last season and didn't give any reason for his departure, which is understood to be due to the differences between him and the club management. Kwid had also left Karama after serious differences with the club administration but has decided to return following a change to the set-up. Kwid led Karama to the Syrian league title and to the final of the Asian Champions League in his first spell as manager. He also coached the Syrian national team. Under Kwid, Dhafra had earned 10 points from 10 games in the Pro League and are in ninth spot in the 12-team standings. They face Al Shabab in group A of the Emirates Cup on Jan 2.

Kwid is the fifth Pro League manager to leave his post this season, and though it was his decision, it is an alarming trend that must be a worry if the league wants to attract talented managers. Al Wasl, who lie eight in the league, have already sacked two coaches this season - Miroslav Beranek and Srecko Juricic. Luka Berzovic lasted for just five games at Al Shaab. Ahmed Abdulhaleem was forced to leave at Al Wahda after eight matches, despite the club sitting in the top four at the time.