Special Guest Coaches

Legends on the Pitch: Special Guest Coaches Inspire at NC23
At NC23, we believe in exposing our players to the highest levels of insight, knowledge, and inspiration—and nothing reflects that more than the recent visits from two legends of the game: Edgar Davids and Ibou Ba.

These special guest coaching appearances have not only elevated the level of our training sessions but also reaffirmed the strength of NC23’s mission: to deliver a professional, world-class development experience for youth players in the UAE.

Legends Sharing the Game
Edgar Davids, one of the most iconic midfielders in world football, brought his unmistakable energy, intensity, and deep tactical insight to the pitch. With a career that spans top clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan, Barcelona, and the Dutch national team, Edgar shared his knowledge with NC23 players firsthand— demonstrating the detail, mentality, and technical sharpness required to play at the highest level.

Ibou Ba, former French international and Serie A winner with AC Milan,  and a powerful presence in midfield throughout his career in Europe, also brought his vast experience and passion to our training environment. His ability to connect with players and break down complex tactical ideas into practical, game-ready lessons was nothing short of inspiring.

Invaluable Lessons from the Best
What makes these visits so impactful is not just the status of the guests — but the incredible depth of experience and practical football intelligence they share. From positioning and vision to decision-making under pressure, players received guidance rooted in decades of elite-level football.
Perhaps even more inspiring is the continued passion both Edgar and Ibou have for the game — even in retirement. Their willingness to spend time on the field, speak directly to young players, and invest in the next generation is a powerful reminder of football’s lifelong influence.

A Testament to the NC23 Vision
The presence of such high-caliber professionals at NC23 training sessions is a clear reflection of their belief in our program and mission. It signals to players and families alike that NC23 is more than just another academy — it’s a serious development platform, capable of attracting and working alongside legends of the global game.

Thank You
We extend our sincere gratitude to Edgar Davids and Ibou Ba for generously sharing their time, energy, and knowledge with our players. Your involvement has left a lasting impression on our teams and added incredible value to our environment.

Your belief in what we’re building means the world — and your presence continues to fuel the ambition of every young player in our academy.

NC23. Built for the next level. Inspired by the very best.