‘Dioko will always remain Ahli hero’

FIRMIN Mubele had found fellow-Congolese Alain Dioko’s shoes a bit too big to fill after replacing him as Al Ahli’s spearhead last season. The comparisons with Dioko seem never-ending and they often left him embarrassed. Not anymore.

The striker has arguably been Ahli’s best player this season. He scored a goal and played his part in the Brigadiers’ 2-1 win over Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) last week to take his tally to four from as many matches. Mubele has also formed a great partnership up front with captain Meshaal Abdullah.

You must be relieved to have found your scoring touch after all those comparisons with Dioko?

Dioko is a great player and he has proved himself in Qatar by emerging as top scorer in the QSL twice. He’ll always remain a hero of Ahli. I learn a lot by watching his game. When we meet, we discuss football in detail.

Can you speak about your partnership with Meshaal?

Meshaal is a great player with a terrific attitude. What I like the most about him is his hunger to win. He’s a true leader and we all are happy playing under him.

e-mail: ganesh@dohastadiumplusqatar.com