The United Arab Emirates mourns the loss of one of its sporting pillars, Mohamed Sak, who passed away on the morning of December 4, 2023, after half a century of dedication and commitment. Sak leaves behind a legacy that serves as a testament to the development of sports in the UAE and a historical imprint for future generations.
In the early days of the union, Mohamed Sak arrived in the UAE as a national champion in his homeland, Senegal. He was not only a distinguished player but also a remarkable coach. He worked as a coach in the Amiri Guard (under the General Command of the Armed Forces) and established the athletics team at Al Jazeera Club, introducing a unique coaching style that remains unparalleled. He built strong, friendly relationships with leaders in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first coach for the first generation of leaders in the country during the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He served alongside the late Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former Chief of Staff, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan when he was a first lieutenant in the Air Defense Command.
Sak’s role extended beyond coaching to play a crucial part in developing the capabilities of sports referees in the country. Many prominent sports figures were influenced by Sak’s guidance and advice, including Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Presidential Flight, who was also the president of Al Jazeera Sports and Cultural Club.
Mohamed Sak was not only a coach and a sports personality but also a pioneer in talent discovery. He played a vital role in discovering many talented athletes, including the legendary athlete Rashid Batti, a global champion in endurance racing and a player for Al Jazeera Club and the UAE national team for athletics. Sak also contributed to the birth of athlete Mohammed Amer, who won the second medal in the history of the UAE in Arab athletics championships.
Mohamed Sak leaves us not only with sporting memories but also as a living example of dedication and inspiration. He will not be forgotten but will remain engraved in our memory as an exceptional personality and a symbol of excellence in the world of sports.
The departure of Mohamed Sak leaves a significant void in the hearts of sports enthusiasts and prominent sports figures in the UAE. The UAE, with the loss of this sporting icon, will cherish his memory, dedicated to preserving his sporting legacy for future generations. May Allah have mercy on you, Mohamed Sak, and we pray for patience and solace for your family.
