In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia is set to make history as the first non-African nation to compete in the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship. The prestigious tournament, scheduled to take place in Durban from March 17-23, marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabian beach soccer and signals their ambition to grow the sport in the region.
Saudi Arabia’s participation adds a touch of Middle East flair to the competition as they aim to secure their first-ever qualification for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, slated for the Seychelles in 2025 on African soil. Despite being relatively new to the African beach soccer scene, Saudi Arabia boasts a promising track record, having clinched the Arab Beach Soccer Cup title in 2010 and an imprsive perfomance at the 2023 Neom Beach Soccer Cup.
Ahead of the COSAFA Championship, the Saudi Arabian team underwent rigorous preparation, including a training camp in the city of Jazan under the guidance of Brazilian coach Goga Zulukovic. Their recent participation in the Oman International Friendly Beach Soccer Championship saw them secure a respectable third-place finish, showcasing their competitive spirit and determination.
During the COSAFA qualifying rounds, Saudi Arabia displayed their prowess with impressive victories over Mauritania and Morocco, highlighting their potential as formidable contenders. Despite a narrow defeat to Lebanon, the team’s spirited performance earned them a spot in the quarterfinals, where they faced Palestine in a tightly contested match.
The Saudi Arabian squad features a blend of experienced veterans and promising talents, including Hossam Kaman, Ahmed Al-Hamami, and Khaled Wahib. With the likes of Mubarak Al-Dosari and Muhammad Al-Ajmi leading the charge, the team is poised to make a strong impression at the COSAFA Championship.
As Saudi Arabia prepares to embark on their historic journey at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship, the nation’s burgeoning beach soccer scene holds immense promise for the future. With aspirations of World Cup qualification and a determination to leave their mark on the African stage, Saudi Arabia’s presence underscores the growing global appeal of beach soccer and heralds an exciting new chapter in the sport’s evolution.
