Gaza Tent Inspires Palestinian Coach with Mother’s Advice

Coach Ehab Abu Jazar leads the Palestinian national football team during challenging times. The team carries the hopes of Palestinian football while dealing with the aftermath of the ongoing conflict. His primary source of inspiration, however, is his mother, Huda Mahmoud Abu Jazar, who is currently living in a tent in Gaza’s Al-Mawasi camp.

Background of the Conflict

The latest escalation began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s attack on Israel. This conflict resulted in the cancellation of Palestinian league matches. Many athletes, now in exile, are concerned for their relatives back in Gaza.

Mother’s Support from Gaza

Despite living in a precarious situation, Huda Mahmoud remains a steadfast supporter of her son’s ambitions. She provides tactical advice and encouragement during phone calls. Huda emphasizes the importance of focusing solely on the tournament.

Words of Wisdom

• “She talks to me about the team,” Ehab said.
• “She wants to know about the players, tactics, and morale.”

The 62-year-old expresses immense pride in her son and the Palestinian team. She shares that their recent victory over Qatar brought joy to their camp, stating, “It is a great honour for us.”

Coach’s Vision and Team’s Resilience

Abu Jazar aims to instill a sense of resilience in his players. He believes they represent not just the team but the broader Palestinian community. He describes the pressure of expectations as a “positive pressure.”

FIFA Rankings and Future Prospects

The Palestinian team currently stands at 96th in the FIFA rankings. Their dreams of participating in their first World Cup were dashed earlier this summer. However, they are poised to advance in the Arab Cup, needing only a draw against Syria in their final group match for an unprecedented achievement.

Emotional Connection to the Game

Abu Jazar, who transitioned from a former player to a manager in 2018, feels the weight of responsibility after witnessing the challenges faced by his family. After a ceasefire instigated by the US, he continues to push for success on the field.

Struggles of Watching Matches

Huda’s access to communication is often limited by power outages and weak signals. Despite these challenges, she conveyed her hopes for victory as her family finds ways to watch the matches. “We’ll watch it on a TV screen from our camp,” she said, brimming with hopes for another win.

Final Thoughts

Her resolve and the struggles they face inspire Coach Ehab Abu Jazar to continue fighting for his people’s joy. “This is what keeps us standing,” he remarked, reflecting the spirit of resilience that fuels the team’s aspirations. The upcoming match against Syria represents not just a chance for victory but a moment of pride and unity amidst adversity.