Ben Zakri in Saudi attire: My mission is to correct the course of youth in the Roshan League
In a gesture reflecting his deep appreciation for Saudi culture and his integration into the local community, Al-Shabab FC's Algerian coach, Noureddine Benzekri, drew attention by appearing in full Saudi attire (thobe and shemagh) during the press conference preceding his team's anticipated match against Al-Riyadh FC. This gesture was in celebration of Saudi National Day, with Benzekri beginning his remarks by congratulating the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people, and emphasizing his great pride in participating in this cherished national occasion.
This match, part of the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League (the "Roshan League"), comes at a very sensitive time for Al-Shabab, nicknamed "The Lion." Coach Ben Zekri, who took over under difficult circumstances, understands that this encounter is not just an ordinary match, but a pivotal turning point in restoring the team's prestige. In this context, Ben Zekri stated his objectives clearly, saying, "I am here to correct the course of this club and its results, and our ambition is to achieve positive results that will return the team to its rightful place." He added that the current phase requires everyone to unite and work harder to overcome this difficult situation.
From a technical standpoint, the Algerian coach possesses extensive experience in Saudi football, having previously managed clubs such as Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, and Damac. He earned the nickname "The Savior" for his ability to rescue teams from relegation battles and rectify their technical and psychological situations. His return to the Saudi league with Al-Shabab represents a new challenge, as he seeks to utilize his tactical expertise and renowned passion to instill a fighting spirit in his players, especially given the intense competition in the Saudi Professional League this season, which has garnered global attention due to its roster of international stars.
Regarding the difficulty of the upcoming match, Ben Zekri refused to underestimate the opponent or rely on historical differences, explaining: “There are no easy matches in the Saudi League. Winning requires a lot of work and high concentration. We desperately need the three points, and we will work to achieve them, God willing.” This statement reflects the realistic approach the coach takes to the league, as previous rounds have proven that surprises are possible from all teams, and that psychological preparation is no less important than technical preparation.
The Al-Shabab coach concluded his remarks with a heartfelt and direct message to the club's fans, considering them the most important element in the equation for success. He said, "The Al-Shabab fans must rally around their team at this stage. If they don't do so now, when will they? Love for the club is revealed in circumstances like these, and I need the management, the fans, and the Al-Shabab media—they are all factors for success." The Al-Shabab squad hopes that the match against Al-Riyadh will mark the beginning of a new chapter, bringing smiles back to the faces of the Al-Shabab supporters and confirming the team's strong return to competition in the remaining rounds of the season.
