Veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri has made promises to Al-Shabab fans after leading the team to their first victory under his management. He emphasized that his ambitions extend beyond simply improving results, aiming to return the "White Lion" to its rightful place at the top of the Saudi Professional League. This confident statement came after a valuable win against Damac in the 23rd round of the competition.
In the press conference that followed the match, Ben Zekri expressed his great happiness with the three points, saying: “Congratulations to Al Shabab and its fans, and hard luck to Damac. The match was not easy at all, especially since the opponent is very strong on its home ground, and all the teams confirm that any match you play here is difficult, and winning it is not guaranteed.”.
A promising start and a bright future
This victory comes at a crucial time for Al-Shabab, who have suffered from inconsistent performances and results this season, leading to a decline in their league position that is unbecoming of their history and potential. Ben Zekri, known for his strong personality and extensive experience in Saudi football, was brought in as a rescue mission to restore stability and get the team back on track.
Ben Zekri added: “Thank God, a successful start with my team and three important points. We worked hard, and you can expect Al Shabab to return to its rightful place.” This statement wasn't just a celebration of the victory, but a clear message to the rivals that Al Shabab is coming back strong to reclaim its prestige and compete for the top spots.
Historical background and challenges of the Roshan League
Noureddine Benzekri has a distinguished history in the Saudi League, having previously coached clubs such as Damac, Al-Fayha, and Al-Raed. He is known for his ability to instill a fighting spirit in his players and achieve positive results with mid-table teams. Al-Shabab, on the other hand, is one of the giants of Saudi and Riyadh football, boasting a rich history of domestic and continental titles, which places significant pressure on any coach who takes the helm.
With the tremendous development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of international stars, the competition has become fierce, and winning any match is no longer easy. Ben Zekri is aware of this challenge and outlined his plan to get the team back on track, saying: “I tried to utilize the players effectively during the match, highlighting their abilities by looking at their history and their exceptional individual and collective skills. My job here is to help the team perform at its best and be at the forefront.”.
This first victory for Ben Zekri with the youth team represents more than just three points; it represents a spark of hope for the fans, and the beginning of a new phase aimed at restoring the team’s strong identity and competing for titles in one of the strongest leagues in the region.
