Although the Saudi national team has not qualified for the World Cup in South Africa, youngsters across the Kingdom are busy thinking about matches and how well teams will perform.
“We are trying our best to convince students not to waste time during the exams which this year coincide with the World Cup. I would say around 30 percent of Saudi youngsters are thinking deeply about the matches,” said Waleed Ibrahim, director of Dar Al-Marefa, a popular private school in Jeddah.
“We expect the World Cup fever to involve all students, including those who are working hard. Being an exemplary student cannot stop one from loving football,” he added.
Although Saudi Arabia is not participating in the tournament, many students are already showing a lot of World Cup enthusiasm.
“We live in a global village and Saudis are very interested in watching and supporting international football teams. Modern modes of communication such as the Internet and huge TV screens in cafés in addition to Facebook have drawn students into the World Cup fever,” Ibrahim said.
He said parents are unable to control their children. “We’re looking to increase awareness programs for students about exam preparations. These programs will show them how to best utilize their time and arrange their schedules properly,” he said.
Ahmed Mesfer, director of a government school, said the fact that the World Cup is coinciding with the annual exams is a dilemma.
“We will not be able to control students, many of whom have already started missing school. We’re afraid of what is in store in the next few weeks. Teachers still need to carry out revision. However, many students are simply failing to turn up for classes,” he said.
“The Ministry of Education has set rules that should be followed by students a few weeks before the exams, but these rules cannot stop them from not coming to school,” he added.
“The absence of the Saudi national team in the World Cup can lessen pressure. But many students are hugely interested in watching matches,” he said, adding that students need to show initiative and be responsible.
Fahad Al-Tayash, spokesman for the Ministry of Education, agreed that there is a problem. “We expect a notable decrease in students’ grades because of the World Cup. This decrease is normal. Students need to be responsible. If they’re not, then their families need to devise schedules for them to ensure they are prepared for their exams,” he added.
Al-Tayash confirmed there is a Ministry of Education rule that bans students from bringing football flags and other accessories into schools.
“The fact that the Saudi national team is not participating in the tournament means students will support other teams. As a result, students will wear caps, jackets and scarves representing their respective teams. All these items are banned in schools as they could lead to rivalry,” he said.
“In previous tournaments, students were united to support the Saudi national team, but this year they will be divided,” he said.
With most World Cup matches telecasting between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., the prime time when students should be revising their lessons, disruptions are definitely expected.
“My two sons are very interested in watching local and international matches. Both of them will start their exams just a week after the World Cup begins. I’m planning to switch off our TV during the exams,” said Hala, a Saudi housewife and mother of two young boys.
“I think it has become very difficult to control the new generation. With the existence of computers and cafés showing matches, youngsters have more opportunities to watch matches. I will try my best not to allow them to leave home,” she added.
“My eldest son is crazy about the Saudi national team, especially players who play for Al-Ittihad. He is very sad that Saudi Arabia is not participating in this tournament,” she added.
Anas Al-Kesaibri, a young Saudi who is in the final year of high school, said the fact that the Saudi national team in not playing will give him more time to study. “I will be able to divide my time between studying and watching the tournament. This year I’m only planning to watch the important matches and ignore others,” he said.
Sultan Al-Youssefi, a Syrian intermediate school pupil, is an avid fan of the Saudi team. “I think those matches that will be played in the latter part of the World Cup will be more interesting. I will have finished my exams when they start,” he said.
He added that the fact that Saudi Arabia is not playing will take pressure from him and his friends. “I thank God that Saudi Arabia is not playing. My son watches all Saudi matches and when they lose he cries and sulks. He stops eating, studying and playing. He is in high school. Since Saudi Arabia is not playing, he’ll only be interested in the tournament when it reaches the final stages,” said Sami Al-Otaibi, a Saudi doctor and father of two young boys.
