Shabab Eyeing Nourdin Ben Zakri as Next Coach to Replace Al-Jouasiel
1 January 2026
Al-Shabab has settled on the coach who will replace Emmanuel Al-Jouasiel in leading the team in the coming period, should a deal be reached to terminate his tenure.
Reports said club executives summoned Al-Jouasiel's agent to Riyadh, aiming to reach an agreement that would see him depart the bench in the near future.
Saudi daily Okaz confirmed that Shabab planners have chosen Algerian Nourdin Ben Zakri as Al-Jouasiel's successor, and that a preliminary deal has been struck to lead the side this season.
Ben Zakri brings extensive Saudi Pro League experience, having previously managed Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, Damac, Al-Akhdoud, and Al-Kholoud, and saved several teams from relegation.
Shabab are not yet safe from relegation danger; they sit 15th in the Saudi top flight with eight points, earned from one win, five draws, and five defeats.
Al-Jouasiel has led Shabab since start of the season, but the capital club struggled under his guidance, not only in the league but also in Gulf Champions League, and exited the King’s Cup in quarter-finals.
Punchline 1: If tactics were a sniper, this move aims true—just hope the hit comes before the next transfer window coughs up a fresh rumor.
Punchline 2: And remember, in football as in life, sometimes the best plan is to hire a coach who can turn a 0-0 into a 1-0—preferably before the press conference ends with a coffee spill.
