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Veteran striker Hussain Ali has rejoined the ranks of the Bahrain National Team after being called upon by coach Anthony Hudson to inspire and guide the younger players to ‘goal-den’ glory.
It was a nostalgic moment for the 32-year-old from A’ali, known to his fans as Hussain Pele, as he returned to the National Stadium pitch on Saturday to play an international friendly with Lebanon in preparation for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
His brilliant cross to Ismaeel Abdullatif lead to Bahrain’s 1-0 victory and has proven that age is nothing but a number and that Ali is back.
Ali, who joined the fray four days before the friendly, said: “I am really happy to be back with the team after such a long time. It was my first game back and it proved to me that I still got it.
“It was a tough game. We heard that it was an improved team and when we saw the way they played they weren’t kidding.
“However, we were able to control the game thanks to Hudson’s guidance and it especially helped that we were playing at home. We were motivated to take the game and we played as a team.
“I was a bit apprehensive of joining the squad. To come back at this age I felt that I should be on my best form. Could I hack it? But then I met with the team and they truly are a great group of guys who welcomed me and that melted away any fears or concerns that I had. And after the Lebanon game… I’m back.”
Ali may have surprised himself but coach Hudson always believed that he had it in him.
The Briton said: “I am so pleased that Pele is with us. I love him as a player and he is a great character. I believe he is still one of the best in Bahrain.
“Pele is a brilliant asset because he sets a great example for the young players we have coming through. He is a huge part of the development of football in Bahrain and is still playing a key role for us. I truly believe that he can help us win because he has qualities that not too many players have. He is still one of the fittest and hardest working players out there and, probably, still the best in the league.
“Pele had an excellent game against Lebanon. He set the goal up for Abdullatif with a great cross in the corner. In fact, he probably created four to five chances on his own in the first half with his excellent passing.
“It was a very good comeback game for him and I was pleased.”
Ali’s love affair with the sport started at the age of six when his father Ali Ahmed would take him to watch different games at the Al Shabab Club, formerly known as Jidhafs Club, and at the National Stadium in Riffa.
Ali said: “We used to go together to watch football games and before you know it the bond was formed. I started playing in Jidhafs first and worked my way up the ranks.
“When I used to watch the National Team play at the stadium it was amazing. My dream was to one day be on the pitch representing my kingdom. But I didn’t think it was achievable back then. I thought it would be difficult to make it as they had such high quality players.
“Thanks to God and hard work, I was put on the right path that brought me to where I am today.”
Ali comes from a big family with two brothers and four sisters. He was the only sibling interested in a career in football and his family supported him every step of the way.
Ali said: “What encouraged me to follow my dream of a career in football was my family. My father was always cheering me on. My family’s love and support was perhaps the biggest push for me to achieve my goals and keep at it.”
He moved from Al Shabab to Muharraq Club in 1998 and it became his home away from home. He became the top scorer in the Bahraini premier league and was picked up for the national squad.
After four years with Muharraq he moved to Qatar where he turned out for Al Rayyan Club, Al Gharrafa Club and Umm Salal Club before returning to his beloved Muharraq four years later where he still remains.
In 2003, he was once again the top scorer in the league. Things were looking up for him until the 2010 World Cup qualifier against New Zealand which left him defeated.
Ali said: “I was a bit depressed with the outcome. I thought, what was the point? The loss changed something inside me. The whole team felt defeated and inadequate. We kept asking ourselves why? It’s not as though we didn’t work hard. Even people kept asking us why we didn’t make it.
“I decided after that to just play for Muharraq.”
When former national team coach Peter Taylor approached Ali to return to the squad, he politely refused. However, he sang a different tune with Hudson who ticked all the right boxes for the veteran.
Ali explained: “When Hudson saw me play in the first three games of the season he asked to talk with me.
“He explained to me their style of play and said that he needed me. I asked him why he would choose me to play at this age. He has young players who are at a better level than I am. But he insisted that I come back and that my experience and knowledge will be beneficial for the squad.
“I think I have a whole new view on football and a different attitude. I’m more mature and giving. And for those who think I’m old, my age is not a factor as I take very good care of myself. I aim to make everyone proud including myself and my loving wife and children Fadak, eight, and Mahmood, one. I love that my daughter watches me play.”
With the past behind him, Ali, Hudson and the squad only have one thing on their minds, qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup.
Bahrain is currently atop Group ‘D’ with seven points from three matches. They are followed by Qatar with six points, Malaysia with four and Yemen who have yet to score any points.
Bahrain, who had a 1-1 draw against Malaysia last month at the Shah Alam Stadium in Malaysia, will play them again on Friday at the National Stadium in Riffa at 5.45pm. They next play Yemen on November 19 at the same venue and time.
There are five groups in all in the Asian Cup Qualifying and only the top two from each group along with the best third-placed team from all groups will make it through to the finals. A total of 16 teams will be playing in Australia. Five spots have already been taken which include hosts Australia, the 2011 Asian Cup winners Japan, the 2011 Asian Cup third-placers South Korea, the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup winners North Korea and the fifth will go to the winner of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup. The other 11 spots will be filled by the ongoing qualifying competition.
