Al-Ahli's first football team continues its intensive preparations for the highly anticipated and challenging match against Al-Shabab, in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. In this context, the team's German coach, Matthias Jäissle, has made important tactical decisions regarding the formation of the back line to ensure defensive stability in this match, which will be held at Al-Shabab's stadium in Riyadh.

According to informed sources within Al-Ahli, coach Mathias Jäissle has definitively decided to continue relying on young defender Rayan Hamed in the center-back position, forming a partnership with Brazilian star Roger Ibañez. This decision comes as Turkish defender Merih Demiral is not yet fully fit, having missed the team's group training sessions, making his inclusion in the starting lineup unlikely.

German coach Jäsle rejects the idea of ​​risking Demiral's participation before he is fully recovered and 100% fit and ready, fearing aggravation of the injury or losing the player's services for a longer period during the crucial stage of the season. Jäsle believes that fielding the player before he is ready could negatively impact the team's defensive system against a strong attacking opponent like Al-Shabab.

The context of the match and the importance of the three points

This match is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli, especially as the team seeks to appease its fans and return to winning ways and convincing performances, following their recent goalless draw against Al-Wahda of the UAE in the AFC Champions League, a match played at Al Nahyan Stadium. This draw has placed additional pressure on the coaching staff and players to deliver a strong response domestically.

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Shabab match is a classic in Saudi football, always characterized by its competitiveness and excitement, as both sides strive to improve their position in the Roshan League standings. For Al-Ahli, a victory in this match would not only secure three points but also represent a tremendous morale boost and confirmation of the team's ability to compete and secure a high ranking that guarantees continental participation next season, especially given the fierce competition among the top clubs this season.

Yassle is counting on the synergy between Rayan Hamed and Ibanez to neutralize Al Shabab's attacking threat. Hamed has proven his worth in the matches he has played, giving the coach a safe tactical option in Demiral's absence. Al Ahli fans are eagerly anticipating this match, hoping their team can overcome Al Shabab on their home turf and return to Jeddah with all three points.

Al-Qadisiyah's first football team has completed all its field and technical preparations for its highly anticipated 12th match under the leadership of its experienced Irish coach, Brendan Rodgers. The team is set to host Neom tomorrow evening, Thursday, at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium at 8:30 PM, as part of the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League.

During Wednesday evening's main training session at the club's stadium, Rodgers focused intensively on tactical aspects, implementing specific plays he intends to use to unlock Neom's defense. The coaching staff also addressed physical conditioning, with the Irish manager ensuring fitness levels were raised through a variety of warm-up exercises, carefully balancing physical exertion with technical readiness.

The challenge of exhaustion and the unbeaten streak

In the context of mental and physical preparation, Rodgers addressed the challenges facing the team, noting that Al-Qadisiyah's schedule of 11 matches in a short period could naturally affect their physical performance. However, the coach expressed great confidence in his players, emphasizing that the physical statistics compiled by the coaching staff demonstrated the team's superiority in most duels and physical challenges, reflecting their strong desire to win.

This match comes at a time when Al-Qadisiyah is experiencing remarkable stability since Rodgers took over as head coach last December, succeeding Spaniard Michel Gonzalez. The Irish coach, who boasts extensive experience in European football (Liverpool, Celtic, Leicester City), has successfully guided the "Beni Cadiz" to a series of impressive positive results, achieving 8 wins and 3 draws, remaining undefeated so far. This reflects a significant transformation in the team's on-field performance.

The battle for the Golden Square and the importance of points

Tomorrow's match carries immense importance, extending far beyond the three points; it represents a direct battle to solidify the team's position in the standings. Al-Qadisiyah enters the game in fourth place with 44 points, aiming to close the gap with Al-Ahli, currently in third (just three points behind). Securing a top-four finish is a strategic objective for the club's management this season, guaranteeing a place in upcoming continental and Asian competitions, thus adding a crucial and highly charged dimension to the upcoming match against Neom.

In closing his remarks to the media center, Rodgers expressed his gratitude to the players for their tremendous effort and to the Al-Qadsia fans, whose support he described as a "crucial motivator." The coach emphasized his anticipation for the team to regain its full form as the season enters its crucial stages, praising the fantastic atmosphere created by the fans at home matches in the Eastern Province.

In a move aimed at bringing about a qualitative shift in the local sports scene, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee , in direct coordination with the Ministry of Sports and the relevant sports federations, has approved an ambitious sports initiative aimed at supporting and promoting the dissemination and practice of Olympic and Paralympic sports in various clubs, regions, cities, governorates and centers of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Inspection tours pave the way for the initiative

This strategic decision followed a series of intensive field visits directed by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. These visits were conducted by Mr. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, CEO and Secretary General of the Committee, who visited more than 70 clubs across the Kingdom over the past two months to assess their actual needs and evaluate their infrastructure and technical capabilities in various regions.

Details of the initiative and support for the 2032 strategy

The approved initiative stipulates that the 12 sports federations targeted within the “Podium Reach 2032 Strategy” will provide comprehensive support for the technical and administrative development of clubs. This will be achieved through allocated budgets and targeted technical programs designed to enhance athletic performance under the supervision of top-tier, qualified coaches. The initiative also includes increasing participation and providing the necessary equipment for each sport, aiming to facilitate citizens' access to these sports in their home cities and towns.

List of targeted sports

The initiative focused on a select group of sports in which the Kingdom has promising opportunities to compete globally, namely:

• Athletics
• Judo
• Taekwondo
• Karate
• Jiu-jitsu
• Swimming
• weight lifting
• Archery
• horsemanship
• fencing
• wrestling
• Paralympic Athletics

The context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Quality of Life Program

This initiative is significant because it aligns perfectly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to increase the percentage of people participating in sports. By empowering clubs in remote provinces and centers, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee ensures a wider base of participants, creating a healthy and active environment for all segments of society, not just major cities.

Expected impact: Creating future champions

This step is expected to have a significant positive long-term impact, as expanding the base of practitioners is the first and essential step in discovering and developing young talent. Providing equipment and coaches in 12 Olympic and Paralympic sports will contribute to building a new generation of athletes capable of representing the Kingdom in international competitions, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia's chances of winning Olympic medals and competing strongly in the 2032 Olympic Games and beyond, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of the leadership and the Saudi sports community.