Saudi Club Appoints New Coach After Dismissal of Emmanuel Aljaouasil
17 February 2026
Appointment and context
Al Shabab Saudi Club has announced its new head coach to replace the Spaniard Emmanuel Aljwasil.
The club confirmed Aljwasil's dismissal and appointed Abdullah Al-Mutairi, the national coach, to lead the team for the Gulf Club Championship clash against Tadamon Hadramout of Yemen.
Who is Nourddine Ben Zakri?
Following a sensational 13-0 victory and advancement to the Gulf Champions League semi-finals, Al Shabab named Algerian Nourddine Ben Zakri as the new head coach.
The club announced on X that Ben Zakri will coach the side until the end of the current season.
Ben Zakri was seen in the stands hours after the dismissal, ahead of his formal appointment.
The Algerian coach returns to Saudi football after a spell with Al-Kholood, having helped lift them from relegation last season.
He brings extensive Saudi league experience, having previously managed Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, Damac, Al-Akhodood, and Al-Kholood.
What’s next
Ben Zakri's appointment signals a renewed push for stability and results as the season resumes.
Punchlines: If Ben Zakri’s tactics were a sniper, they’d hit the target before the whistle—crisp, precise, and somehow still leaving room for a victory lap.
Punchline: And if football were a comedy, Ben Zakri would be the headliner—great headers, even better punchlines.
