في هذا اللقاء الخاص مع صحيفة «عكاظ»، يفتح المدير الرياضي لنادي الأخدود حسن مرزوق، قلبه للحديث عن رحلة النادي الاستثنائية من دوري الدرجة الثالثة إلى دوري روشن للمحترفين خلال فترة قياسية، ويستعرض أبرز التحديات التي واجهت الفريق، ويتحدث عن الاستعدادات للموسم القادم، وموقف النادي من دعم وزارة الرياضة، والخصخصة، وطموح التأهل إلى البطولات القارية. كما يتطرق إلى مستقبل المواهب في منطقة نجران، وأسباب عدم استمرار بعض الأسماء، ويكشف عن توجه النادي في سوق الانتقالات، وسط منافسة قوية مع أندية مدعومة.
حوار صريح يعكس رؤية واضحة وطموحاً لا يتوقف.
مرزوق بدأ تدرجه في نادي الأخدود منذ 2019 عضواً في مجلس الإدارة ثم أصبح رئيساً تنفيذياً، والآن يعمل مديراً رياضياً، شخصية صنعت لنفسها مكانة خاصة بين الجماهير النجرانية، وترك بصمة واضحة داخل وخارج الملعب لدى محبي ورجالات النادي.
في هذا الحوار الموسع، اقتربت «عكاظ» أكثر من تفاصيل نادي الأخدود، تحدياته، وهمومه، وطموحاته القادمة.
• في البداية، نرحب بك عبر صحيفة «عكاظ».
•• الله يبقيكم وسعيد جداً بهذه الاستضافة من صحيفة تاريخية وعريقة بحجم «عكاظ».
• كيف كانت تجربتكم خلال الموسمين الماضيين في دوري روشن؟
•• تجربة صعبة جداً بالحقيقة، ولكنها كانت مثرية ومليئة بلحظات الحزن والفرح، دائماً أقول إذا فرض الله علينا الحظ السيئ والحظ الجيد خلال الموسم سأختار أن يكون الحظ السيئ في أول الدوري، والحظ الجيد في آخره، وهكذا كان، والحمد لله استطعنا البقاء رغم كل الظروف.
• ما خطتكم للموسم القادم؟
•• خطتنا تعتمد على حجم دعم وزارة الرياضة الذي سيُعلن عنه قريباً إن شاء الله، قمنا بالاستعداد جيداً ودراسة ثلاث خطط إستراتيجية للعمل بموجبها، لأنه كما تعلمون الفريق وانتداباته ستتأثر حسب الميزانية المالية المرصودة وما سيتوفر من لاعبين متاحين في السوق، ومنذ صافرة النهاية بعد مباراة الخليج وضمان البقاء بقيادة رئيس النادي سامي آل فاضل ونحن في الإدارة الرياضية نجتمع بشكل يومي عن بُعد أو في النادي؛ لدراسة كل ما من شأنه تجنب أي سلبيات تعرضنا لها وعدم تكرارها في القادم.
• ماذا ينقص الأخدود للمنافسة في مراكز متقدمة خلال المواسم القادمة، خصوصاً أنكم خلال وجودكم بدوري روشن يكون مصير بقاء الفريق في الرمق الأخير من الدوري؟
•• الواقع يقول إن الموسمين الماضيين كانا من أصعب المواسم في تاريخ الكرة السعودية من حيث الدعم المالي والاستقطابات القوية من اللاعبين التي استفادت منها عدة أندية لم نكن منها، كما أننا وقعنا في عدة أخطاء، وانتدابات الفريق تأثرت بحجم ميزانيتنا الصغيرة جداً التي ربما لا توازي كاملةً قيمة أحد اللاعبين في نادي الاتحاد أو الهلال أو النصر، من وجهة نظر أخرى شيء مميز أننا استطعنا البقاء بينما هبطت عدة أندية أكثر خبرة منا في الدوري، أتكلم عن الوحدة والرائد وقبلهما الطائي وأبها والحزم، لننافس على المراكز المتقدمة أعتقد أننا نحتاج لميزانية مقاربة لأندية الوسط.
• بعد مرور موسمين لكم بدوري روشن، ما طموحكم في المواسم القادمة؟
•• في الاخدود لطالما آمنّا ألا حدود لطموحنا، نحن نتمنى أن ننافس على البطولة أو ننافس على مقعد آسيوي.. ولنا في تجربتنا في دوري يلو خير مثال إذ استطعنا بميزانية أقل من الجميع الصعود لدوري روشن.. نحتاج أن يكون هناك توزيع مالي منصف للجميع ومتقارب نوعاً ما، عندها سيظهر طموحنا أمام الجميع.
• كم صرف الأخدود خلال وجوده في دوري روشن في الموسمين الماضيين؟
•• الصرف لم يزد أبداً عما تم اعتماده للنادي من الوزارة والرابطة.
• وماذا عن الموسم القادم؟ بكل تأكيد وضعتم ميزانية خاصة للتعاقدات.
•• ما زلنا ننتظر إعلان إجمالي الدعم المقدم للفريق كما الفرق الأخرى، عندها سنعمل وفق ما سيتم توفيره للفريق.
• كيف سيحافظ الأخدود على مكتسباته؟
•• الأخدود خرج بمكتسبات عديدة وتمت المحافظة عليها سواءً من تمديد لعقود بعض المحليين المميزين، أو الاحتفاظ بعنصرين أجنبيين على مستوى طيب، وتجديد عقد طاقم تدريبي قدم لمحات مميزة الموسم الماضي، ومع دعم الفريق بعدد من اللاعبين المميزين سنظهر بشكل أفضل إن شاء الله.
• ماذا عن مواهب نجران؟ متى سنشاهد هذه المواهب تكون موجودة مع الفريق الأول والمنتخبات الوطنية؟
•• منطقة نجران غنية بالمواهب، ولكن للأسف المواهب تعاني من آفة التدخل؛ فمرة الآباء يحددون مسار أبنائهم فيتسببون -دون قصد- في تدمير وإنهاء الموهبة مبكراً، ومن جهة أخرى بعض السماسرة والوسطاء الفاشلين ينهون مستقبل اللاعب بانتقال غير مدروس. الأخدود الآن يملك فئتين تحت 15 وتحت 16 سنة في الدوري الممتاز بعد صعودهما الموسم الحالي، وسنعمل في بقدر ما نستطيع لتوفير كل ما يحتاجه المواهب للظهور وخدمة أنفسهم أولاً ثم خدمة الوطن بإذن الله.
• هل يمتلك الأخدود منشأة خاصة له بالتمارين؟
•• نعم لدينا منشأة منذ 40 عاماً، وقد عملنا في السنوات الماضية على تطويرها أكثر سواءً في المكاتب الإدارية أو تجهيز صالة رياضية خاصة للفريق الأول، ولدينا ملعبان من العشب الطبيعي وقاعات وصالة رياضية كبيرة تخدم كل الرياضات بعدد 21 لعبة في النادي.
• ومتى سنشاهد الأخدود يلعب على المنشأة الخاصة به؟
•• للعب المباريات الرسمية على ملعب النادي الرئيسي نحتاج أولاً لموافقة رابطة دوري روشن، لأن الملاعب لها اشتراطات محددة، ربما نسعى في القادم لمعالجتها مع القسم الهندسي بوزارة الرياضة، ونتمنى من الوزارة أن تساعدنا أكثر لاستضافة عدد من المباريات على ملعب النادي، وسيكون مميزاً وقريباً للحضور الجماهيري.
• هل جميع اللاعبين الأجانب سيستمرون مع الفريق خلال الموسم القادم؟
•• فقط لاعبان أجنبيان؛ الكولمبي سيباستيان بيدروزا والكاميروني كرستيان بوسوغ.
• هل المباريات في الموسم القادم ستكون فيها صعوبة على الفريق؛ بحكم وجود أندية الصندوق ونادي القادسية ونادي نيوم؟
•• بالتأكيد سيكون موسماً نارياً وقوياً جداً، وهذا مما يسعدني كمتابع كروي، وبإذن الله نأمل أن نكون في الموعد ويظهر الفريق بشكل يعجب عشاقه والمتابعين، ويكون خصماً صعباً للجميع.
• حدثنا عن أكبر عائق يعاني منه الأخدود في الفترة الماضية والقادمة؟
•• العائق الأكبر هو فرق الموازنات المالية بين الأخدود والآخرين ما يمنعنا من المنافسة على استقطاب لاعبين مميزين وإغرائهم مالياً، وربما أيضاً رغبة اللاعبين الأجانب في العيش بالمناطق الكبرى هذا يجبرنا على الاتجاه لخيارات أقل نوعية من مستهدفاتنا.
• لماذا لم يستمر معكم المدرب الجزائري نورالدين بن زكري؟
•• لا أعتقد أنه يستحق أن نتحدث عنه وهو لم يعد يرتبط بالنادي.
• في مباراتكم أمام الخلود في الرس لم تتواجد في إدارة النادي المنصة الرئيسية للملعب.. ما الأسباب؟
•• لا تعليق.
• أكثر فريق من أندية الصندوق يحب نادي الأخدود أن يواجهه في الدوري؟ ولماذا؟
•• شخصياً أحب مقابلة الأهلي، ربما لأنه أول فريق من أندية الصندوق تقابلنا معه رسمياً في دوري يلو؛ ولأن حظنا دائماً موفق أمام الأهلي.
• شخصية داعمة للفريق وقفت مع النادي خلال الفترة الماضية.
•• الشخصيات النجرانية الداعمة كثيرة ولكن الأبرز هو رجل الأعمال علي عباجة؛ إذ يتواصل معنا بشكل شبه يومي إما للسؤال أو لتقديم استشاراته المميزة، وإخوانه رجال الأعمال؛ صالح السيد وعوض قريعة وحمد حمرور وعبدالهادي دوحان وغيرهم الكثير، ولا أنسى الشيخ محمد بن علي أبو ساق القريب جداً من الإدارة والداعم الأول للأخدود.
• التطور الكبير في الكرة السعودية، كيف تراه؟
•• تطور عظيم، أنا الآن في الـ40 من عمري وكنت أتمنى أن أكون مراهقاً الآن لأستمتع أكثر بهذا التطور، لأنني وقت مراهقتي كنت أتمنى أن أرى النجوم العالميين مثل باجيو وروماريو وجورج وياه وغيرهم يلعبون في الدوري السعودي، ما قام به ولي العهد من دعم عملاق للرياضة وكرة القدم هو شيء أسطوري وخارق للعادة لم أشاهده في أي دولة أو عصر، حجم الدعم واستقطاب اللاعبين العمالقة لدوري روشن جعلنا نعيش الآن في قلب العالم، والأضواء العالمية أصبحت مسلطة علينا بشكل كبير، وكل موسم تزداد وبإذن الله تكون السعودية في قمة الرياضة وكرة القدم العالمية.
• ماذا عن خصخصة الأخدود.. متى ستكون؟
•• هناك إدارة في وزارة الرياضة مختصة بالخصخصة ولم تطرح النادي للخصخصة إلا وهو يستحق ذلك من ناحية الأصول المالية وعدم وجود أي التزامات وديون عليه، أتمنى اليوم قبل الغد أن ينتقل النادي لشركة، لأنه بذلك سيكون له عائد قوي ومستدام وسيخدم المجتمع الرياضي بالمنطقة.
• هل هناك شركات تقدمت لشراء النادي؟
•• أتوقع ثلاث شركات منها الأجنبية والمحلية.
• في ختام الحوار لمن تقول شكراً؟
•• شكراً لمن يستحق الشكر لرئيس النادي أخي سامي آل فاضل؛ لأنه تكبّد المصاعب المالية والاجتماعية الكثيرة للصعود بفريق قادم من الدرجة الثالثة ليكون في دوري روشن خلال ستة مواسم، وهو ما لم يحققه أي فريق سعودي غير مدعوم كالأخدود.
طموحنا «قارية».. وميزانيتنا لا تساوي قيمة لاعب في الهلال أو الاتحاد أو النصر
مدير الأخدود لـ«عكاظ»: الأهلي خصمنا المفضل.. وبن زكري لا يستحق الحديث عنه
27 يونيو 2025 - 07:44
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آخر تحديث 27 يونيو 2025 - 07:44
تابع قناة عكاظ على الواتساب
حاوره: بدر القويعي ALBDRQ@
In this special meeting with "Okaz" newspaper, the sports director of Al-Akhudud Club, Hassan Marzouq, opens his heart to discuss the club's extraordinary journey from the third division to the Roshan Professional League in a record time. He reviews the main challenges faced by the team, talks about preparations for the upcoming season, the club's position on support from the Ministry of Sports, privatization, and the ambition to qualify for continental championships. He also touches on the future of talents in the Najran region, the reasons for some names not continuing, and reveals the club's direction in the transfer market amidst strong competition with supported clubs.
A candid dialogue that reflects a clear vision and unending ambition.
Marzouq began his journey at Al-Akhudud Club in 2019 as a member of the board of directors, then became the executive president, and now serves as the sports director. He has carved out a special place for himself among Najran fans and has left a clear mark inside and outside the field for the club's supporters and officials.
In this extensive dialogue, "Okaz" delves deeper into the details of Al-Akhudud Club, its challenges, concerns, and upcoming ambitions.
• First of all, we welcome you through "Okaz" newspaper.
•• May God keep you, and I am very happy with this invitation from a historic and prestigious newspaper like "Okaz".
• How was your experience during the past two seasons in the Roshan League?
•• It was a very difficult experience, but it was enriching and filled with moments of sadness and joy. I always say if God imposes bad luck and good luck during the season, I would choose to have bad luck at the beginning of the league and good luck at the end, and that’s how it was. Thank God we managed to stay despite all the circumstances.
• What is your plan for the upcoming season?
•• Our plan depends on the level of support from the Ministry of Sports, which will be announced soon, God willing. We have prepared well and studied three strategic plans to work according to them, because as you know, the team and its signings will be affected by the allocated financial budget and what players will be available in the market. Since the final whistle after the match against Al-Khaleej and securing our stay under the leadership of club president Sami Al-Fadhil, we in the sports administration have been meeting daily, either remotely or at the club, to study everything that could help us avoid any negatives we faced and not repeat them in the future.
• What does Al-Akhudud lack to compete for advanced positions in the upcoming seasons, especially since during your time in the Roshan League, the team's fate was determined in the last moments of the league?
•• The reality is that the past two seasons were among the most difficult seasons in the history of Saudi football in terms of financial support and strong player signings that several clubs benefited from, which we were not among. We also made several mistakes, and the team’s signings were affected by our very small budget, which perhaps does not even equal the full value of one player in Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, or Al-Nassr. On another note, it is remarkable that we managed to stay while several more experienced clubs than us in the league were relegated, I’m talking about Al-Wehda, Al-Raed, and before them Al-Tai, Abha, and Al-Hazm. To compete for advanced positions, I believe we need a budget comparable to mid-table clubs.
• After two seasons in the Roshan League, what are your ambitions for the upcoming seasons?
•• At Al-Akhudud, we have always believed that there are no limits to our ambitions. We hope to compete for the championship or vie for an Asian spot. Our experience in the Yelo League is a good example, as we managed to ascend to the Roshan League with a budget smaller than everyone else. We need a fair financial distribution for everyone, somewhat close, then our ambitions will be evident to all.
• How much has Al-Akhudud spent during its time in the Roshan League in the past two seasons?
•• The spending has never exceeded what was allocated to the club by the ministry and the league.
• What about the upcoming season? Surely you have set a specific budget for contracts.
•• We are still waiting for the announcement of the total support provided to the team, like other teams, and then we will work according to what will be provided for the team.
• How will Al-Akhudud maintain its gains?
•• Al-Akhudud has gained many advantages and has maintained them, whether by extending contracts for some distinguished locals or retaining two foreign players at a good level, and renewing the contract of the coaching staff that provided remarkable glimpses last season. With support for the team with a number of distinguished players, we will show better, God willing.
• What about the talents in Najran? When will we see these talents with the first team and national teams?
•• The Najran region is rich in talents, but unfortunately, these talents suffer from the plague of interference; sometimes parents determine their children’s paths, unintentionally causing the destruction and premature end of the talent. On the other hand, some failed agents and intermediaries ruin the player's future with poorly thought-out transfers. Al-Akhudud now has two age groups under 15 and under 16 in the Premier League after their promotion this season, and we will work as much as we can to provide everything the talents need to emerge and serve themselves first, then serve the nation, God willing.
• Does Al-Akhudud have its own training facility?
•• Yes, we have a facility that has been around for 40 years, and we have worked in recent years to further develop it, whether in administrative offices or equipping a gym specifically for the first team. We have two natural grass pitches, halls, and a large gym that serves all sports with 21 games in the club.
• When will we see Al-Akhudud playing at its own facility?
•• To play official matches at the club's main stadium, we first need approval from the Roshan League, as stadiums have specific requirements. We may seek to address this with the engineering department at the Ministry of Sports, and we hope the ministry will assist us more in hosting a number of matches at the club's stadium, which will be special and close to the audience.
• Will all foreign players continue with the team during the upcoming season?
•• Only two foreign players; Colombian Sebastian Pedroza and Cameroonian Christian Bosog.
• Will the matches in the upcoming season be difficult for the team, given the presence of supported clubs and Al-Qadisiyah and Neom Club?
•• It will definitely be a fiery and very strong season, which makes me happy as a football follower. God willing, we hope to be ready and for the team to appear in a way that pleases its fans and followers and to be a tough opponent for everyone.
• Tell us about the biggest obstacle Al-Akhudud has faced in the past and upcoming period?
•• The biggest obstacle is the differences in financial budgets between Al-Akhudud and others, which prevents us from competing to attract distinguished players and enticing them financially. Also, the desire of foreign players to live in major areas forces us to turn to lower-quality options than our targets.
• Why didn’t the Algerian coach Nourredine Ben Zekri continue with you?
•• I don’t think he deserves to be talked about since he is no longer associated with the club.
• In your match against Al-Khulood in Al-Rass, the main management of the stadium was not present... what are the reasons?
•• No comment.
• Which team from the supported clubs does Al-Akhudud prefer to face in the league? And why?
•• Personally, I love to face Al-Ahli, perhaps because it was the first team from the supported clubs we faced officially in the Yelo League; and because our luck is always favorable against Al-Ahli.
• A supportive figure for the team who stood by the club during the past period.
•• There are many supportive figures from Najran, but the most prominent is businessman Ali Abaja; he communicates with us almost daily, either to inquire or to provide his valuable advice, along with his brothers, businessmen Saleh Al-Sayed, Awad Qareea, Hamad Hamroor, Abdulhadi Douhan, and many others. I also cannot forget Sheikh Mohammed bin Ali Abu Saq, who is very close to the administration and the primary supporter of Al-Akhudud.
• How do you see the significant development in Saudi football?
•• It is a tremendous development. I am now 40 years old, and I wish I were a teenager now to enjoy this development more because when I was a teenager, I wished to see global stars like Baggio, Romario, George Weah, and others playing in the Saudi league. What the Crown Prince has done in providing immense support for sports and football is something legendary and extraordinary that I have not seen in any country or era. The level of support and the attraction of giant players to the Roshan League has made us live now at the heart of the world, and global attention is increasingly focused on us. Every season it increases, and God willing, Saudi Arabia will be at the forefront of global sports and football.
• What about the privatization of Al-Akhudud... when will it happen?
•• There is a department in the Ministry of Sports specialized in privatization, and they will not propose the club for privatization unless it deserves it in terms of financial assets and the absence of any obligations and debts. I hope today before tomorrow that the club transitions to a company, as this would provide a strong and sustainable return and serve the sports community in the region.
• Have any companies applied to buy the club?
•• I expect three companies, including foreign and local ones.
• In conclusion, who would you like to thank?
•• Thanks to those who deserve thanks, to the club president, my brother Sami Al-Fadhil; because he has endured many financial and social hardships to elevate a team coming from the third division to be in the Roshan League within six seasons, which no other unsupported Saudi team has achieved like Al-Akhudud.
A candid dialogue that reflects a clear vision and unending ambition.
Marzouq began his journey at Al-Akhudud Club in 2019 as a member of the board of directors, then became the executive president, and now serves as the sports director. He has carved out a special place for himself among Najran fans and has left a clear mark inside and outside the field for the club's supporters and officials.
In this extensive dialogue, "Okaz" delves deeper into the details of Al-Akhudud Club, its challenges, concerns, and upcoming ambitions.
• First of all, we welcome you through "Okaz" newspaper.
•• May God keep you, and I am very happy with this invitation from a historic and prestigious newspaper like "Okaz".
• How was your experience during the past two seasons in the Roshan League?
•• It was a very difficult experience, but it was enriching and filled with moments of sadness and joy. I always say if God imposes bad luck and good luck during the season, I would choose to have bad luck at the beginning of the league and good luck at the end, and that’s how it was. Thank God we managed to stay despite all the circumstances.
• What is your plan for the upcoming season?
•• Our plan depends on the level of support from the Ministry of Sports, which will be announced soon, God willing. We have prepared well and studied three strategic plans to work according to them, because as you know, the team and its signings will be affected by the allocated financial budget and what players will be available in the market. Since the final whistle after the match against Al-Khaleej and securing our stay under the leadership of club president Sami Al-Fadhil, we in the sports administration have been meeting daily, either remotely or at the club, to study everything that could help us avoid any negatives we faced and not repeat them in the future.
• What does Al-Akhudud lack to compete for advanced positions in the upcoming seasons, especially since during your time in the Roshan League, the team's fate was determined in the last moments of the league?
•• The reality is that the past two seasons were among the most difficult seasons in the history of Saudi football in terms of financial support and strong player signings that several clubs benefited from, which we were not among. We also made several mistakes, and the team’s signings were affected by our very small budget, which perhaps does not even equal the full value of one player in Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, or Al-Nassr. On another note, it is remarkable that we managed to stay while several more experienced clubs than us in the league were relegated, I’m talking about Al-Wehda, Al-Raed, and before them Al-Tai, Abha, and Al-Hazm. To compete for advanced positions, I believe we need a budget comparable to mid-table clubs.
• After two seasons in the Roshan League, what are your ambitions for the upcoming seasons?
•• At Al-Akhudud, we have always believed that there are no limits to our ambitions. We hope to compete for the championship or vie for an Asian spot. Our experience in the Yelo League is a good example, as we managed to ascend to the Roshan League with a budget smaller than everyone else. We need a fair financial distribution for everyone, somewhat close, then our ambitions will be evident to all.
• How much has Al-Akhudud spent during its time in the Roshan League in the past two seasons?
•• The spending has never exceeded what was allocated to the club by the ministry and the league.
• What about the upcoming season? Surely you have set a specific budget for contracts.
•• We are still waiting for the announcement of the total support provided to the team, like other teams, and then we will work according to what will be provided for the team.
• How will Al-Akhudud maintain its gains?
•• Al-Akhudud has gained many advantages and has maintained them, whether by extending contracts for some distinguished locals or retaining two foreign players at a good level, and renewing the contract of the coaching staff that provided remarkable glimpses last season. With support for the team with a number of distinguished players, we will show better, God willing.
• What about the talents in Najran? When will we see these talents with the first team and national teams?
•• The Najran region is rich in talents, but unfortunately, these talents suffer from the plague of interference; sometimes parents determine their children’s paths, unintentionally causing the destruction and premature end of the talent. On the other hand, some failed agents and intermediaries ruin the player's future with poorly thought-out transfers. Al-Akhudud now has two age groups under 15 and under 16 in the Premier League after their promotion this season, and we will work as much as we can to provide everything the talents need to emerge and serve themselves first, then serve the nation, God willing.
• Does Al-Akhudud have its own training facility?
•• Yes, we have a facility that has been around for 40 years, and we have worked in recent years to further develop it, whether in administrative offices or equipping a gym specifically for the first team. We have two natural grass pitches, halls, and a large gym that serves all sports with 21 games in the club.
• When will we see Al-Akhudud playing at its own facility?
•• To play official matches at the club's main stadium, we first need approval from the Roshan League, as stadiums have specific requirements. We may seek to address this with the engineering department at the Ministry of Sports, and we hope the ministry will assist us more in hosting a number of matches at the club's stadium, which will be special and close to the audience.
• Will all foreign players continue with the team during the upcoming season?
•• Only two foreign players; Colombian Sebastian Pedroza and Cameroonian Christian Bosog.
• Will the matches in the upcoming season be difficult for the team, given the presence of supported clubs and Al-Qadisiyah and Neom Club?
•• It will definitely be a fiery and very strong season, which makes me happy as a football follower. God willing, we hope to be ready and for the team to appear in a way that pleases its fans and followers and to be a tough opponent for everyone.
• Tell us about the biggest obstacle Al-Akhudud has faced in the past and upcoming period?
•• The biggest obstacle is the differences in financial budgets between Al-Akhudud and others, which prevents us from competing to attract distinguished players and enticing them financially. Also, the desire of foreign players to live in major areas forces us to turn to lower-quality options than our targets.
• Why didn’t the Algerian coach Nourredine Ben Zekri continue with you?
•• I don’t think he deserves to be talked about since he is no longer associated with the club.
• In your match against Al-Khulood in Al-Rass, the main management of the stadium was not present... what are the reasons?
•• No comment.
• Which team from the supported clubs does Al-Akhudud prefer to face in the league? And why?
•• Personally, I love to face Al-Ahli, perhaps because it was the first team from the supported clubs we faced officially in the Yelo League; and because our luck is always favorable against Al-Ahli.
• A supportive figure for the team who stood by the club during the past period.
•• There are many supportive figures from Najran, but the most prominent is businessman Ali Abaja; he communicates with us almost daily, either to inquire or to provide his valuable advice, along with his brothers, businessmen Saleh Al-Sayed, Awad Qareea, Hamad Hamroor, Abdulhadi Douhan, and many others. I also cannot forget Sheikh Mohammed bin Ali Abu Saq, who is very close to the administration and the primary supporter of Al-Akhudud.
• How do you see the significant development in Saudi football?
•• It is a tremendous development. I am now 40 years old, and I wish I were a teenager now to enjoy this development more because when I was a teenager, I wished to see global stars like Baggio, Romario, George Weah, and others playing in the Saudi league. What the Crown Prince has done in providing immense support for sports and football is something legendary and extraordinary that I have not seen in any country or era. The level of support and the attraction of giant players to the Roshan League has made us live now at the heart of the world, and global attention is increasingly focused on us. Every season it increases, and God willing, Saudi Arabia will be at the forefront of global sports and football.
• What about the privatization of Al-Akhudud... when will it happen?
•• There is a department in the Ministry of Sports specialized in privatization, and they will not propose the club for privatization unless it deserves it in terms of financial assets and the absence of any obligations and debts. I hope today before tomorrow that the club transitions to a company, as this would provide a strong and sustainable return and serve the sports community in the region.
• Have any companies applied to buy the club?
•• I expect three companies, including foreign and local ones.
• In conclusion, who would you like to thank?
•• Thanks to those who deserve thanks, to the club president, my brother Sami Al-Fadhil; because he has endured many financial and social hardships to elevate a team coming from the third division to be in the Roshan League within six seasons, which no other unsupported Saudi team has achieved like Al-Akhudud.

