How the Promoted Trio Is Adapting to the Saudi Pro League
With the Saudi Pro League’s raised profile, getting promoted to the top division in Saudi Arabia and managing to stay up is a priority for most teams. As the SPL is on hold during the international break, let’s take a look at how the newly promoted sides (Al Qadsiah, Al Orobah, and Al Kholood) have been performing this season.
For Al Qadsiah, the financial might of state-owned petroleum company Aramco has helped build a strong squad capable of squaring up against top teams in the Saudi Pro League. Top players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nacho, Koen Casteels, and Julian Quinones have aided the newcomers’ performances this season, seeing them in 5th place after ten matches.
The best among the promoted sides, Al Qadsiah, have six wins, one draw, and only three losses, which put them two points behind Al Shabab in fourth.
Al Orobah’s time in the Saudi Pro League has not been as rosy as Al Qadsiah’s. They have won thrice, drawn once, and lost a whopping six times. The hope is that senior experienced players like Kurt Zouma can step up and guide their teammates to start delivering positive results and dig themselves out of danger of relegation.
In serious need of a turnaround is the worst-performing newly promoted team, Al Kholood. With one win, four draws, and five losses, it is evident that Al Kholood need a miracle to turn things around.
Enter Ben Zekri, who left it to the last day of the 2023-24 SPL season to secure safety for Al Okhdood. The experienced coach took over from Paulo Duarte and hopes to repeat his savior magic last season.
