Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah stars foresee bright future for Saudi game ahead of SAFF Women’s Cup final

RIYADH: Ahead of the SAFF Women’s Cup final on Wednesday night, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah coaches and players have spoken to Arab News about their football journeys, and predicted a bright future for the women’s game in the Kingdom.
Taking place on March 19 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the match will feature two of the top teams in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning women’s football scene.
Manar Fraij, Al-Ahli’s football coach, said that the Saudi league was competing to be one of the best leagues in the Arab world, even at the level of Africa and Asia.
“The presence of players who meet high standards supports the Saudi league and draws more attention to it,” she said. “It has helped Saudi players to interact with experienced players, those who’ve played in the biggest international and global events.

All of this benefits the Saudi players, the Saudi league, and the Saudi national team. I expect that in about three years, the Saudi women’s national team will reach a very high level.”
She highlighted the growth of female players in the Kingdom, noting a surge in new players under the age of 15.
“It’s all part of the infrastructure that the Saudi federation is working on in a sequential, excellent manner.

Today, the mindset of the Saudi player has changed … Today, I’m seeing professionalism in the game. Saudi Arabia has started to show up on the scene.
“Their commitment beyond training, even off the field, is reflected in their performance, and it’s clear, whether in the achievements of the Saudi national team or the Saudi league.