Roshn Saudi League - The Season So Far (Part Three)

With the Roshn Saudi League’s full schedule return on Thursday following its break for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, it’s time to look at the performances of all 18 teams during the first half of the season. 

In the final of our three-part series ahead of the restart, we cast our eyes over those currently ranked 13th-18th in the 2023-24 campaign.

Al Raed (13th, 19 points)

An eight-game winless run from September to November should have meant serious trouble for the Riyadh-based side. Yet an upturn in fortunes at the end of the year saw Al Read progress up the table.

This was perhaps neatly summed up when Cameroonian defender Oumar Gonzalez struck in the 90th minute to secure a mammoth 4-3 victory over Abha in the final game of 2023.

Former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Igor Jovicevic has slowly warmed to the task of management in the Kingdom, and after a slow start, everything seems to be clicking in place for the Croatian. More of the same, then, for the second half of the season. 

Key Player - Karim El Berkaoui

The Moroccan attacker knows exactly what is needed to survive in the RSL and his goals have been vital for Al Raed in the last four seasons.

El Berkaoui has started the season well, notching seven goals in the RSL, including a vital brace that put away defending champions Al Ittihad in a 3-1 win.

Last season, the striker netted nine times in Al Raed colours and is well on his way to beating that tally this campaign. Those goals will be vital if Al Raed are to look up, rather than down. 

Al Fayha (14th, 19 points)

The side from Al Majma’ah has been pulled towards the drop zone thanks to a disappointing run of five consecutive defeats to close out 2023. Despite success in reaching the AFC Champions League last 16, Al Fayha have dropped off in the RSL, and are facing the grim prospection of relegation.

Perhaps one redeeming quality has been the fact they have accrued the joint-highest number of draws in the league alongside Al Ettifaq; those points could be telling heading into the business end of the campaign.

After a lengthy mid-season break, Serbian coach Vuk Rasovic will be hoping that his charges can kick on and push into the more comfortable climes of midtable. 

Key Player – Fashion Sakala 

The Zambian international has been a bright spot in what has been a less than satisfactory first half of the season for Al Fayha. Seven goals from 19 RSL starts suggests the former Rangers man has settled to life in the RSL.

After featuring in all three games for his nation at the African Cup of Nations, Al Fayha will look to Sakala to continue his impressive league form. 

Al Riyadh (15th, 19 points)

A 1-0 win against high-flying Damac in the final game of 2023 capped off a difficult year for Al Riyadh. Returning to the RSL for the first time since 2005 was always going to be a major challenge, and the promoted side started strongly with a narrow win over Al Wehda and a hard-earned 2-2 draw away at Damac.

However, a run of five straight defeats quickly followed, including heavy losses to Al Ittihad and Al Hilal. Four wins from the remaining 12 games have Odair Hellmann’s team just out of the drop zone, and Al Riyadh will have to battle for every point if they are to stay up at the first time of asking. 

Key Player - Martin Campana

The veteran goalkeeper has been incredible at times this season, pulling off save after save to keep Al Riyadh in matches at times.

At 34 years old, the experience of the former Al Batan stopper is going to be needed if his team are to rally in the second half of the campaign and pull away from relegation trouble. 

Al Tai (16th, 17 points)

Two points from safety, can Al Tai turn around their fortunes in the second half of the season? An opening day 1-0 win over Damac suggested that Ha’il-based team would repeat last season’s comfortable mid-table finish.

What followed was a poor run of two wins in 10 games, leaving Al Tai firmly in the relegation picture. One saving grace for the team located in north-western Saudi Arabia is that they can score goals, and have hit three or more on four separate occasions.

Their standout game of the season was a rollercoaster 4-3 win against Al Raed, in which they came from 3-1 down to grab the victory thanks to, quite unbelieveably, three stoppage-time goals. 

Key Player – Bernard Mensah

One of the reasons why Al Tai might be confident of beating the drop has been the sparkling attacking play of Mensah. The Ghanaian has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the lower half of the RSL, backing up his effort with several clinical performances - including a brace in that memorable win against Al Raed.

With nine goals already, the former Besiktas man has registered the highest-ever goal-scoring return of his professional career. After a mid-season break, Mensah will be primed and ready to drag Al Tai out of the relegation zone. 

Abha (17th, 14 points)

It was a busy January for Abha, as they confirmed legendary tactician Pitso Mosimane had taken charge of the club. The former Al Ahli coach is no stranger to the Kingdom after masterminding the Jeddah giant’s promotion back to the RSL.

However, the charismatic South African has a huge task on his hands as he looks to pull Abha out of the fire. This task has been made more difficult influential striker Karl Toko Ekambi’s move to Al Ettifaq, although Abha have managed to sign defender Marcel Tisserand. That should bring some stability at the back. 

Key Player - Grzegorz Krychowiak 

Abha will need a cool head if they are to get out of trouble and 34-year-old midfielder Krychowiak fits the bill. The former Polish international was an ever present in the first half of the season and came up with three goals when it mattered.

Leadership will be vital if Abha and Mosimane are to mastermind a great escape. Krychowiak could be the difference maker. 

Al Hazem (18th, 13 points)

Being on the wrong end of a 9-0 defeat at the hands of Al Hilal in late November is never good for morale, but Al Hazem have bounced back admirably.

Indeed, three draws and a win from their past five RSL outings have the team from Ar Rass second in the form table. Manager Jose Carreno will now certainly have the belief that his side have enough to pick up just enough points to survive. 

Key Player – Toze

The former FC Porto player has been the creative hub of the team, displaying a useful knack for scoring important goals. This included a 90th-minute penalty away at Al Ettifaq to earn a draw and end 2023 on something of a high.

With 10 goal involvements in 19 RSL starts, Toze will have to continue his impressive form if Al Hazem are to stay up.