Al-Ahli’s global ambitions face test against Mamelodi Sundowns

Al-Ahli’s transformation into a club capable of competing at the highest level will face another test when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in their Intercontinental Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The Saudi Arabian club arrived in South Africa on Wednesday with a squad featuring a blend of established local talent and international stars, including Edouard Mendy, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, Galeno, Francisco Trincao and Ivan Toney.

Since 2023, Al-Ahli have invested heavily across their football operation, with improvements made to scouting, recruitment, performance services, facilities and the academy.

The aim is to create a structure capable of sustaining success rather than relying solely on high-profile signings.

“A lot has changed in a relatively short period, but we don’t see this as a finished project,” said acting sporting director Osama Hawsawi.

“We want to build a club that can compete year after year, and that means improving what happens behind the scenes as well as what people see on the pitch.”

Hawsawi said the club were building for the future, highlighting Riyad Mahrez’s contribution to Al-Ahli’s recent progress and the arrival of Trincao, who joined with experience of playing at the highest level of European football.

The club have also sought to make their recruitment more precise by combining data and analysis with traditional scouting methods.

“We want to be smarter in the market,” Hawsawi said.

“It is about understanding exactly what the team needs and identifying players who fit Al-Ahli. The aim is to build a system that consistently finds the right players.”

Developing the next generation

Investment has also focused on the environment in which players work, including facilities, physical performance, recovery, analysis and sports nutrition.

That includes an individual approach to player development. First-team sports nutritionist Dr Nessan Costello works with players according to their body composition and individual requirements.

“If you expect elite performances from players, you have to give them an elite environment every day,” Hawsawi said.

“A lot of that work isn’t necessarily visible to supporters, but it can make a real difference over a season.”

Although international recruitment remains part of the club’s plans, Hawsawi believes Saudi players will ultimately be central to Al-Ahli’s future.

“The academy has always been important to Al-Ahli. An elite club shouldn’t only be judged by the players it signs but by the players it develops. We want young Saudi players to see a genuine route into the first team.”

Al-Ahli want to challenge consistently for the biggest domestic and international trophies while establishing themselves among the leading clubs in the region and around the world.

Their meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns offers an opportunity to measure that progress against major opposition from another rapidly developing football market.

“This match gives Al-Ahli another chance to test itself against leading opposition from outside Asia. For the Saudi club, however, the longer-term project goes beyond individual matches, trophies or transfer windows.

“Recent seasons have demonstrated how quickly Al-Ahli can change. The next challenge is ensuring the structures around the team develop at the same pace.”