Remembering Adnan Mekdache

“Legends never die.” That’s the first thing we think of whenever someone of a grand stature dies.

The history of Lebanon’s football in general and Ansar in particular is linked to Adnan Mekdache “Al Sharki”.

Born on 15 November 1942, Adnan Al Sharki started his youth career with Ansar, where he played all of his senior career, extending until 1975, except a short stint in 1965 with Nejmeh.

Locally, Adnan El Sharki won the 1966-67 second division trophy in his first season as player-coach.

As a national team player, his best achievement was to score two goals in a 2-1 win against Kuwait during the 1966 Arab Cup.

He is the most successful Lebanese coach. He coached Ansar from 1967 until 2001 and in the 2004-05 season.With Ansar, he won 11 consecutive league titles from 1987-88 until 1998-99, becoming the only coach to achieve this feat. He also coached the national team at many times, from 1987 until 1993 and from 2006 until 2008.

He was named AFC’s Best Coach of July 1995.

Charismatic personality, easily recognizable with his beret and his generous smile. Adnan Al Sharki, one of Beirut’s true son, will be missed by Lebanese football fans.