The Saudi Third Division League for the 2024-2025 season witnessed a radical shift in the balance of power, as reliance on foreign expertise was no longer the sole path to success. National coaches demonstrated their high level of competence in managing the technical aspects of the league, making a remarkable contribution that led three clubs to official promotion to the Second Division for the 2025-2026 season. This unprecedented achievement underscores the maturity of Saudi coaches and their ability to understand the intricacies of local competitions.
The fruit of planning and supporting national competencies
This achievement cannot be separated from the overall development of Saudi football. This success is a direct reflection of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's efforts to empower national coaches through intensive training courses (Rukhsa) and technical mentorship programs. The scene has transformed from mere individual efforts to institutional work, with Saudi coaches demonstrating a remarkable ability to handle the psychological and tactical pressures of the Third Division, characterized by closely matched levels and the difficulty of breaking through in the group stage system.
Record numbers for Bish, Al-Huda and Al-Qawarah
The numbers clearly reflected the superiority of the national coaches, as coach Abbas Qamiri Bish Club to a well-deserved top spot in Group A. Under his leadership, the team played 18 matches, achieving 10 wins and 6 draws, while suffering only 2 losses, accumulating 36 points with a goal tally of 28.
In Group Three, national coach Mutaib Al-Otaibi a remarkable achievement with Al-Huda , guiding them to promotion with 39 points. Under his leadership, the team displayed resilience and balance, securing 11 victories and suffering only one defeat throughout the season, while boasting a potent attack that netted 38 goals.
The most notable achievement, in terms of statistics, was that of coach Ahmed Al-Khiyari with Al-Qawarah in Group Four. Al-Khiyari presented a formidable team to opponents, amassing 42 points from 13 wins, 3 draws, and only 2 losses, scoring 41 goals – one of the strongest attacking lines – and conceding only 13 goals, reflecting a high level of tactical discipline.
Implications of the achievement and the future of local training
This promotion carries profound implications that extend far beyond mere qualification; it reinforces confidence in the national coach as a strategic choice for clubs seeking technical and financial stability. This success should encourage club administrations at all levels to give opportunities to local talent who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the Saudi player's mentality and the nature of local competitions.
Khalil Obeid cannot be overlooked. He led Qalwa to an amazing comeback in the last 10 matches, achieving 8 decisive victories that secured their promotion, thus completing the list of qualifiers in a season whose most prominent title was "The Prestige of the National Coach".
