In a decisive move underscoring its high ambitions, the coaching staff of Al-Qadisiyah Club, led by coach Rodgers, has definitively settled the fate of its young star and outstanding right-back, Mohammed Abu Shamat. The club announced its final decision to keep the player with the team until the end of his contract, officially rejecting all offers made to sign him during the current winter transfer window, thus putting an end to the speculation linking his future to a move to one of the top clubs in the Roshan League.

The most prominent and serious offer came from Al-Hilal, the leaders of the Saudi Professional League, who were keen to sign the player to strengthen their right-back position and provide a strategic replacement for international star Saud Abdulhamid. Al-Hilal's interest stems from their ongoing plans to bolster their squad with top local talent to ensure their continued dominance and strong competition in all domestic and continental tournaments. However, their efforts were met with firm resistance from Al-Qadisiyah's management.

Artistic conviction and strategic vision

The decision to retain Abu Shamat stems from manager Rodgers' firm belief in the player's indispensable role in his tactical project. Rodgers sees the young player as a model of the modern full-back, combining defensive solidity with the ability to contribute effectively to the attack. He relies on Abu Shamat to implement his style of play, which requires constant overlapping runs from the full-backs and precise crosses – a skill at which Abu Shamat excels.

This decision stems not only from a technical vision but also reflects Al-Qadisiyah Club's new strategy. The club, currently leading the Yellow League (First Division), aims to build a strong and sustainable team capable of quickly returning to the top flight and competing for top positions. Retaining key players and promising talents like Abu Shamat sends a clear message that the club is no longer merely a talent development center for larger clubs, but has become an ambitious sporting project in its own right.

The impact of the decision on the player's future and the club

Twenty-one-year-old Mohamed Abu Shamat is considered one of the most valuable assets in Al-Sharqiya's squad this season. His consistent performances and outstanding displays have been instrumental in the team's successful run under Rodgers, as they remain undefeated since the coach took charge. His continued presence ensures the team's stability and strengthens their chances of achieving their desired promotion goal.

Ultimately, this decision closes the door on the departure of one of Saudi Arabia's most promising young talents, forcing Al-Hilal to turn its attention to other options in the market. As for Mohammed Abu Shamat, remaining in a stable environment that guarantees him regular playing time and continued development under a coach who trusts his abilities is the ideal choice at this stage of his career, and could pave the way for him to join the Saudi national team in the near future.

In a new achievement added to the record of Saudi women's sports, the Al-Noor Sports Club women's team secured third place in the overall standings of the Kingdom's Indoor Archery Championship, hosted by Riyadh at the King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences from January 10th to 15th. This distinction was achieved amidst fierce competition that saw the participation of more than 25 clubs from across the Kingdom.

The championship witnessed a remarkable turnout with over 500 athletes participating, including more than 200 female competitors, reflecting the rapid growth of archery in the Kingdom. Al-Noor Club's participation was limited to its women's team, which proved its mettle and ability to compete with the strongest teams.

Supporting Vision 2030 for Women's Sports

This achievement comes at a time when women's sports in Saudi Arabia are experiencing a qualitative leap, driven by the goals of Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on empowering women in all fields, including the sports sector. The increasing support from the Ministry of Sports and sports federations, such as the Saudi Archery Federation, has broadened the base of female participation and created a healthy competitive environment that contributes to honing talent and raising performance levels. This championship is a prime example of the fruits of this support.

A platform for discovering talent

The Kingdom's Indoor Championship is a vital platform for discovering and developing promising talents to represent national teams in regional and international competitions. The strong competition among participating clubs reflects the remarkable progress in the sport's level locally and provides players with a valuable opportunity to gain experience and exposure, a crucial step in their athletic careers towards achieving greater success at the continental and global levels.

Honorable results for Al-Noor players

Al-Noor Club's players in the under-18 (U18) category stood out by winning several medals of various colors, and their results were as follows:

• Maryam Al Darwish: Silver medal in Olympic archery – U18.
• Noor Hassan Al-Khairi: Bronze medal in Olympic archery – U18.
• Fatima Jamal Al-Bahrani: Silver medal in Olympic archery – U18 (Blue Arrow category).
• Batoul Hani Al Rajab: Silver medal in compound bow – U18 (Blue Arrow category).
• Fatima Jalal Al-Dhamin: Bronze medal in compound bow - U18 (Blue Arrow category).

Al-Noor Club's third-place finish at the national level confirms the success of its strategy in building a strong women's team. These results are not merely about medals; they are a testament to the tireless work of the technical and administrative staff, and the players' determination to excel, placing them on the radar of national team officials for potential future representation of the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Competitions Department announced a significant change to the football season calendar, rescheduling the semi-final matches of the King's Cup for the 2025-2026 season. The two highly anticipated matches, Al-Kholoud vs. Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal, will now be played on the same night, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th of Ramadan, 1447 AH, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar. Both matches will kick off simultaneously at 10:00 PM, promising an exciting and highly anticipated evening of football.

Background of the decision and its organizational context

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation clarified that this decision was not made arbitrarily, but rather after consultations with the four clubs that qualified for this advanced stage. The clubs' views were sought regarding the previously scheduled dates of March 16th and 17th, and based on these discussions, the new dates were agreed upon. This step comes within the framework of ongoing coordination with the Saudi Professional League and relevant authorities, with the aim of reviewing the congested sports season calendar and ensuring the best possible conditions for clubs to compete fairly, taking into account their various commitments and obligations.

The importance of the King's Cup tournament and its rich history

The King's Cup, known as the "most prestigious cup," is the oldest and most coveted tournament in Saudi football history, with its first edition held in 1957. The tournament holds immense symbolic and historical value for clubs and fans alike; winning it is not merely a sporting achievement, but a great honor and source of pride. It often represents an opportunity for established clubs to salvage their season or achieve a historic double, and it embodies the ultimate dream for newly promoted clubs like Al-Kholoud, who aspire to write a new chapter in their history.

The impact of anticipated confrontations, both locally and internationally

This season's semi-final matches are generating exceptional interest. The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match represents the "classic" of Saudi football, a clash between two giants with massive fan bases and a history steeped in rivalry and competition. The second match, between Al-Ittihad and Al-Kholoud, pits the oldest and most prestigious club in Saudi Arabia against the tournament's dark horse, which has eliminated some of the biggest clubs along the way, adding a dramatic dimension to the encounter. With the significant development of the Saudi league and the growing global media attention, these two matches are expected to garner widespread international viewership, especially given the presence of world-class stars in the competing clubs. This change in timing confirms the conclusion of an exciting sporting season that will officially end on May 21, 2026, after which the Saudi national team will begin its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.