Football Season Guide

Only a year after being relegated Al Hazem bounced back up. It wasn’t easy with the third place in Saudi’s First Division meaning a 4-team play-off that Al Hazem just about won. Had issues in defence last season, only the eighth best defence in the First Division (43 goals conceded in 34 rounds). However, their prolific front line did enough to deliver 20 wins and with this the return to the top flight. Star striker Zinho Gano netted 15 league goals last season. He’s staying put and should be the main hope in attack again. Tunisian coach Kadri was appointed only last April. He led the play-off success and was given the job permanently this summer. Like other teams with limited finances Al Hazem are yet to sign a new player this summer. They have only 3 foreigners in their current squad, with the Saudi Pro rules allowing 10, 2 of them must be age 21 or younger, to be registered. In coming weeks when the big clubs star dropping players Al Hazem will likely add fresh blood. Right now it is largely the team that brought the promotion last year that is relied on. This could be the case in the opening game or two, but after that the roster should be upgraded. The positive news is that most regulars, excluding some loanees are staying put. Ultimately, the survival chances could be determined in the next month or so. It will all depend on which foreign stars Al Hazem can land for the campaign ahead.