In a tactical move aimed at preserving physical fitness and avoiding fatigue, the coaching staff of Al-Nassr's first football team, led by veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, decided to exclude a large number of key players from the squad called up for the match against Turkmenistan's Arkadağ. This highly anticipated match is part of the AFC Champions League, a tournament in which Al-Nassr is determined to compete strongly for the title.

Absence list and special program

Coach Jesus didn't just make the tactical decision to rest the players; he also imposed a rigorous training program on the excluded players to ensure their fitness levels didn't decline. The squad that took to the field was missing 10 big names, most notably the team's captain and Portuguese legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. The list of absentees also included recent signings and established key players: Iñigo Martínez, the solid defender Mohammed Simakan, the dynamic full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam, the talented Saad Al-Nasser, the midfield dynamo Marcelo Brozović, the Portuguese star João Félix, the Senegalese Sadio Mané, the French winger Kingsley Coman, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi.

Rotation policy and its importance in the Asian journey

This bold decision by Jesus comes as part of the "rotation" strategy employed by major clubs competing on multiple fronts. With the pressure of domestic league matches and continental competitions, it becomes essential to rest star players to avoid muscle injuries that could result from overexertion. The match against Arkadag presents an ideal opportunity to give playing time to reserve and youth players to prove themselves, thus strengthening the squad and creating healthy competition within the club.

General context and aspirations for victory

The AFC Champions League 2023 takes on special significance this season, as Al-Nassr seeks to reaffirm its continental dominance and expand its trophy cabinet. Despite some key absences, the squad remains packed with players capable of deciding the match and securing the three points, reflecting the significant administrative and technical work undertaken to build two teams ready to compete at any time. Al-Nassr fans are expected to watch the match with keen interest to see the substitutes and how Jorge Jesus's tactical ideas will be implemented in the absence of the big names, while Ronaldo and his teammates continue their specialized training in Riyadh in preparation for the upcoming, more intense matches.

In a move reflecting the rapid development of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, inaugurated the Al-Qadisiyah Club Academy branch in the governorate on Tuesday evening. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Nabil Al-Jamea, Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services at Saudi Aramco, and Badr Al-Ruziza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiyah Club, along with a number of officials and athletes.

Al-Ahsa: A Historical Talent Hub.
The choice of Al-Ahsa Governorate to launch this branch stems from its historical status as one of the Kingdom's most prominent "talent hubs" for football. For decades, Al-Ahsa has supplied national teams and major clubs with a constellation of stars who have etched their names in gold in the history of Saudi football. This move by Al-Qadisiyah Club is a shrewd investment in the fertile ground the governorate offers, with its passionate fan base and innate talent that simply needs refinement and professional development.

Vision 2030 and Sports Investment:
During the inauguration, His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa emphasized that the opening of the academy represents a qualitative investment in human capital, specifically in young people, through a professional program aimed at honing athletic talents and building a generation capable of competing both locally and internationally. His Highness pointed out that this initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on quality of life, promoting sports participation, and transforming the sports sector into a professional industry that contributes to the national economy.

A strategic partnership and a qualitative leap:
The presence of Saudi Aramco leaders at this event reflects the transformative shift Al-Qadisiyah Club is experiencing following its acquisition by the giant company as part of the investment and privatization project for sports clubs. This institutional support ensures the academy operates according to the highest standards of technical and administrative governance, and provides state-of-the-art infrastructure comparable to international academies, thus enhancing opportunities for discovering and nurturing young talents using well-researched scientific methodologies.

of figures and future aspirations
, Bader Al-Ruziza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiyah Club Company, expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa for his generous patronage, explaining that the academy represents the "beating heart" of the club's sports project. Al-Ruziza revealed ambitious figures, stating that the academy currently includes more than 1,500 players distributed across six branches in the Eastern Province, with an expansion plan aiming to serve more than 2,500 players. This strategy aims to build a sustainable technical system that ensures a continuous flow of talent to the first team and the Saudi national teams in the long term.

His Highness the Governor concluded his speech by acknowledging the generous support that the sports sector receives from the wise leadership - may God support them - stressing that this support is the main driver for developing the infrastructure and enabling clubs to perform their social and sports role to the fullest extent.

In an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and high sportsmanship, the Shoot Academy Football Tournament kicked off at Al-Qadisiyah Intermediate School in Al-Aflaj Governorate. This distinguished sporting event is organized by the Shoot Academy, affiliated with the Al-Aflaj Development Association, as part of its efforts to activate constructive community partnerships between the academy and educational institutions in the governorate. The event was attended by the academy's general supervisor, Mr. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Shannar.

The tournament's launch witnessed broad and active participation from the school's students, fostering a spirit of fair competition aimed primarily at honing their athletic skills and reinforcing positive educational values ​​such as discipline, teamwork, and respect for opponents. These activities seek to utilize students' time in ways that benefit them both physically and mentally, channeling their energy into healthy and constructive paths.

The importance of school sports and talent discovery

This tournament holds special significance as it extends beyond mere entertainment, serving as a vital platform for discovering emerging sporting talent in Al-Aflaj Governorate. School sports are the cornerstone of building a promising generation of athletes, and tournaments like this highlight exceptional potential that can be nurtured and developed to support local clubs and national teams in the future. Furthermore, playing football in a structured educational environment promotes overall health and combats inactivity, aligning with the general trend of encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to increase physical activity in society and improve the lifestyle of individuals and families. The collaboration between the non-profit sector, represented by the Al-Aflaj Development Association and the Shot Academy, and the education sector exemplifies institutional integration aimed at building a vibrant society. These partnerships underscore that school is not merely a place for academic achievement, but a comprehensive incubator for developing the student's well-rounded personality.

Thanks and appreciation for the efforts made

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, the tournament organizers explained that the event was an extension of the academy's ongoing programs to support athletic talent in the province. They expressed their appreciation for the significant efforts of Mr. Dhafer bin Madous Al-Arjani, principal of Al-Qadisiyah Intermediate School, and the pivotal role of Mr. Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Ajaleen, the physical education teacher, in providing the necessary facilities, playing fields, and equipment for the tournament's success. All participants emphasized the importance of continuing such impactful initiatives, which strengthen the collaboration between the non-profit and educational sectors in Al-Aflaj to serve the province's youth.