Al-Ahli Saudi has witnessed a significant administrative development with the departure of Osama Hawsawi, who was tasked with the sports management of the club, after just 24 days in the role. He took over following the exit of Portuguese official Rui Pedro. Hawsawi's departure comes amid disagreements with the club's executive management regarding several key issues related to the first team. These include the desired powers to make changes aimed at improving the team's performance in the coming period.
One of the main points of contention was Hawsawi's desire to end the tenure of Dutch coach Marino Pusic. This was due to his dissatisfaction with the team's performance under Pusic's leadership. The executive management, however, wished to continue with Pusic, giving him another chance to prove his capabilities. Hawsawi reportedly believed that Pusic had not made the expected technical contributions, and there was a lack of conviction among some players.
Pusic took over Al-Ahli after the departure of German coach Matthias Jaissle, who moved to train Newcastle before the start of the current season. Under Jaissle, Al-Ahli won the Elite League title. Pusic has managed Al-Ahli in 11 matches across various competitions, achieving 6 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. The team suffered 3 losses in the Saudi Pro League to Al-Khulood, Al-Hilal, and Al-Qadisiyah, in addition to a loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Intercontinental Cup.
Currently, Al-Ahli is sixth in the Saudi Pro League table with 12 points after 7 rounds. Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the administrative and technical developments within the club. The team's recent performance has been a subject of discussion among supporters and analysts alike.
In a related development, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won the Three Continents Cup, a part of the Intercontinental Cup, by defeating Al-Ahli Saudi 2-1. The match took place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, with Sundowns' Nuno Santos scoring early, only for Al-Ahli to equalize through an own goal by Sundowns' goalkeeper Williams.
In the second half, Sundowns secured the win with a goal from Nuno Santos in the 80th minute. This victory earned Mamelodi Sundowns the Three Continents Cup title at the expense of Al-Ahli Saudi. Al-Ahli had reached the final after defeating Oakland City of New Zealand 1-0, with Saleh Abou Shamat scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute.
Al-Ahli Saudi is participating in the Intercontinental Cup for the second consecutive season, following their win in the Asian Champions League last season. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns made their first appearance in the tournament after winning the African Champions League.
Key points
- Al-Ahli Saudi's sports director Osama Hawsawi leaves after 24 days due to disagreements over the team's coach and future strategy.
