JEDDAH, 22 May 2008 — After 18 weeks of competition between the best 10 volleyball teams in the country, the Saudi Volleyball League comes to a fitting climax with the final match between three-time defending champions Al-Hilal of Riyadh and Jeddah’s Al-Ahli.
The potentially explosive match starts 4 p.m. today at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium here.
Also on tap today are additional four home matches pitting Al-Mouj against Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej against Al-Riyadh, Al-Nasr against Al-Khuwaildiah, and Al-Salam against Al-Safa at 7 p.m.
“The chances are high Hilal will win the title,” said Saleh Al-Qasem, Saudi national team manager, adding “but Al-Ahli is very determined to win this time and would not let go easily and would certainly give Hilal a hard time.”
He said that since Hilal won the past three editions of the event they would be going all out to keep the title.
“Yet Ahli looks the hungrier team and is technically more prepared to achieve victory.”
Al-Qasem also said that Ittihad had progressed in terms of performance this season and deserves their third-place finish.
“This team has a bright future and enthusiastic players such as Mohammed Al-Amoudi, Ali Al-Yami. Riyadh club too has dedicated players such as Mohammed Marzoug and Mohammed Masyouf.
Al-Qasem regretted he could not attend the finale because he had to supervise the matches of Al-Riyadh club. “Unfortunately on the same day there will be five matches running, it’s a big administration task.”
Ahli team captain Ismael Al-Khaibary said, “I do not like to jump into conclusions but of course we wish we could do our best and win the cup.”
Hilal, meanwhile, arrived here yesterday and are optimistic they would not leave without the cup. “We won the last three leagues and will do the same hopefully this year,” said Hilal player Yassir Makawni.
Ahli enter the match with a table-topping 34 points from 17 straight victories and no loss. Hilal are second with 32 points and one loss, while Ittihad third with 26 points and four losses. Al-Nasr are fourth (20 points), Al-Khuwailidiah fifth (20 points), Al-Safa sixth (12 points), Al-Mouj seventh (10 points), Al-Salam eighth (8 points), Al-Riyadh seventh (9 points), and Al-Khaleej 10th place with no point.
