Palestine's Nu'man thinks big for Asian debut
If 2014 proved a fruitful year that Palestine fans will cherish, the new year marks a time the West Asians harbour fresh ambition.
Palestine made history in last year's AFC Challenge Cup, pipping Philippines 1-0 in the final to seal their first ever qualification for this January's 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia. This feat becomes more significant considering the adversity they had to defy en route to the becoming champions. With the continental showpiece just around the corner, the expectations are mounting that Palestine can prolong their fairy-tale run in their debut campaign.
It is a feeling particularly shared by Ashraf Al-Fawaghra, the national team's joint top-scorer alongside Fahed Attal with 14 goals each. The 28-year-old attacker finished as the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup's best marksman, being on target four times, including netting the tournament's winning goal as his side clinched their first Asian title in unexpected fashion. On the back of the milestone achievement, the goal-getter, better known by his middle name 'Nu'man', is hoping that his team can showcase their progress in front of the watching world.
"This is a historic occasion for us as it is our first Asian Cup," Nu'man, plying his trade with Saudi side Al-Faisaly, told FIFA.com. "Our goal is to let the world know that the Palestinian national team are moving forward despite the difficulties facing us. We want to convey the message that the Palestinian players have the right to play and develop. Furthermore, we want to bring a smile back to the faces of our people and make our fans happy."
Nu’man is under no illusion as to the tasks they are facing, being grouped together with defending champions Japan, 2007 winners Iraq and an ever-progressive Jordan.
"The opener against Japan will be a hard match for us as they are considered as one of Asia's best teams," he said. "The Japanese players are better than us, but we will give our all and perform to our highest level. The next games against Jordan and Iraq are important and I hope that we can do our job well. We want to show that our team is capable of competing at such a high level like other sides. I hope we can achieve positive results."
Football-mad nation
The beautiful game has taken deep roots in Palestine. Their football association was formed as early as 1929. "Football is such a popular game in Palestine," explained Nu'man, who hails from Wadi Al-Neiss, a tiny village in Bethlehem, "that this game attracts immense attention and interest from people of all walks of life. I started playing football as a school boy and I joined my home team Wadi Al-Neiss later on. I made consistent development there and was selected into the national team years ago."
Indeed, the Palestinians are not without challenges as they embark on developing the game. "Football is affected by the political turmoil here," Nu'man said. "This year's conflict (with Israel) in Gaza caused us severe difficulties in every sport. But (despite this) we keep working hard and carrying our football development forward. We want to lift our image through football."
I hope our fans support us during the championship, because we need your encouragement.Ashraf Nu'man, Palestine forward.
It is against such hardships that Nu'man, as well as his national team-mates, are making consistent progress. He helped Wadi Al-Neiss to a second West Bank Premier League success over the past season as he was named the Best Player of the Year.
"It’s a great honour for any player to be selected as the best player," Nu'man reflected. "I was so happy to earn this title but I want to dedicate it to Wadi Al-Neiss. I also owe my thanks to our fans, who have provided us with plenty of motivation."
Palestine's aspirations for development have been boosted by FIFA since becoming affiliated in 1998, with the world football's governing body providing sustained support through the Goal Programme. The facilities have been much improved with the construction of a football turf pitch in Tulkarm, the Joseph Blatter Football Academy in Al Bireh and the new PFA headquarters in Al Ram. Nu'man is happy to see the development made under Palestine Football Association President General Jibril Rajoub.
"Today we have the Joseph Blatter Football Academy and several stadiums of international standards. General Rajoub is keen on the game's development," he said.
Palestine's efforts culminated in last May's Challenge Cup, when they went all the way through to finish as champions. For Nu'man, it remains a feat from which they can take heart ahead of their Asian Cup campaign.
"It is an unprecedented success for us," Nu'man said. "It is the most precious reward for us to make our people happy. It is an honour for me, the managerial staff and all the other players and it should be attributed to the entire Palestine football family. It gives us confidence playing against strong teams in the Asian Cup."
With the hard continental tests awaiting them, Nu'man calls for support through FIFA.com. "I hope our fans support us during the championship, because we need your encouragement. We want to make our fans happy and we want to show our aspirations for successes and development."