Al-Hilal goalkeeper Al-Owais puts Club World Cup at heart of season aims

Mohammed Al-Owais says Al-Hilal’s ultimate objective this season is to win the Club World Cup, insisting the Saudi club’s ambitions extend far beyond domestic and continental success.

The goalkeeper made the comments after featuring in Al-Hilal’s 2-0 victory over Al-Raed on Monday in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. The result kept Al-Hilal’s campaign in the competition on course and gave Al-Owais another opportunity to play for the club.

Speaking to Thamanya after the match, Al-Owais explained why even a reserve goalkeeper at Al-Hilal can expect regular first-team involvement during a demanding season.

“Al-Hilal plays around 60 matches in a season, whereas if you play for another club, you may play about 30 matches. Therefore, even if you are the second goalkeeper at Al-Hilal, you could play 20 or 25 matches, which is a very normal number,” he said.

Al-Hilal are competing across domestic, continental and international fronts, with the club’s schedule offering Al-Owais more chances to contribute. He said the pressure of fixtures and changes to the calendar this season had improved his prospects of earning playing time.

“With the pressure of the fixture schedule and the changes to the scheduling this season, my chances of playing have become greater. I believe Al-Hilal is the biggest destination for any Saudi or foreign player in Asia and the world,” the Saudi goalkeeper said.

Al-Owais then raised the level of expectation surrounding the club by identifying the Club World Cup as the principal target for Al-Hilal.

“Al-Hilal does not represent itself only domestically. It is present at the Club World Cup and on the international stage, and I believe Al-Hilal’s ambition today is to win the Club World Cup. This objective is available,” he said.

The 34-year-old also said the opportunities created by Al-Hilal’s busy programme would help him prepare for his international responsibilities with Saudi Arabia.

“My chances are good this season, and I have room to get enough playing time. God willing, I will be present in every minute I play so that I can prepare myself for international competitions with the Saudi national team, especially with the number of appearances expected this year,” Al-Owais added.

His appearance against Al-Raed represented another chance to build match fitness and remain ready for both club and country. Al-Owais has continued to underline the value of being part of Al-Hilal, where the scale of the schedule allows squad players to remain involved despite competition for places.

He concluded by emphasising the standing of the club and its appeal to players from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

“The club is the biggest destination any Saudi or foreign player can play for,” Al-Owais said, reflecting his belief in Al-Hilal’s status and the scale of the team’s ambitions for the months ahead.