Latest news with #SeebClub
Observer
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman gear up for closed friendly match with Lebanon
MUSCAT: The Oman national football team will play a crucial closed-door friendly match against Lebanon on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex as part of their ongoing domestic training camp in preparation for the final round of the Fifa World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers. The match will kick off at 8:00 pm (Oman time). This friendly encounter against Lebanon will serve as a final rehearsal allowing the technical staff to fine-tune the lineup and ensure peak readiness for what promises to be two defining fixtures on the road to the Fifa World Cup 2026. Oman players during the training camp Furthermore, the preparatory against Lebanon will mark the second preparatory match for the Red Warriors, following their 4-1 victory over Niger last week. The fixture which arranged at the request of both coaching staffs will take place at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex venue behind closed doors to maintain tactical confidentiality ahead of the critical qualifiers. Since last Friday, Oman team moved their training sessions at Seeb Stadium, following a the coaching staff decision by head coach Rasheed Jaber and his team to shift from the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. The venue switch has allowed the squad to intensify preparations in a focused environment. Lebanon match will mark the second preparatory match Today's match may see the return of key players who missed the first friendly including Al Mundher al Alawi, Essam al Subhi and players from Seeb Club who were absent during the Niger fixture due to club commitments. Their inclusion is expected to provide valuable depth and experience to the squad as final adjustments are made before the competitive matches. The Oman Football Association (OFA) confirmed that goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini remains sidelined due to a finger injury and will be out for four weeks. Additionally, defender Amjad al Harthy has been ruled out of the upcoming qualifiers after suffering a leg injury based OFA announcement in social media channels of OFA. Oman gear up for closed friendly match with Lebanon His absence is a significant setback to the defensive lineup as Oman eyes crucial wins in the last two fixtures. It is expected that the coaching staff will work to provide the alternative player in this position. Meanwhile, Salah al Yahyaei, who is still engaged with his club duties at Al Khalidiya SC in Bahrain, is set to join the national team squad after the Lebanon match, further strengthening the side ahead of the qualifiers. Oman is currently fourth in their group with ten points from eight matches, trailing leaders South Korea by six points. With matches against Jordan on June 5 in Muscat and Palestine on June 10 in Jordan, the Red Warriors are aiming to build on their recent form and secure a place in the next stage of qualification.
Observer
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Seventh title reaffirms Seeb's dominance in volleyball
MUSCAT: Seeb Club reaffirmed their dominance on the local volleyball scene by clinching the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Volleyball Shield for the seventh consecutive time, following a deserved 3-0 victory over Majees in the final match held at the main hall of Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. Seeb players expressed their delight with the new achievement. Ahmed al Toubi credited the victory to a well-integrated system within the club, saying: 'Seven consecutive titles don't happen by chance — Seeb know how to make the difference.' Russian player Bogdan noted that the team had reached its peak performance and attributed the title to strong chemistry and hard work within the squad. Bogdan, who delivered a consistent performance in the final, remarked that the team had achieved "peak cohesion," emphasising that continuous work despite the pressure of matches led them to this level. Fellow Russian player Artem praised the development of the Omani league, describing the tournament as "full of challenges," and expressed his willingness to continue with the team if asked to stay. Head coach Jamal al Maamari stated that this was his ninth domestic title, praising the team's collective performance and focus. He added, 'The team has become a formidable force at the Gulf and Arab levels, and we aim to continue shining in the upcoming league final against Al Salam.' Sayyid Malik bin Shihab Al Said HH Sayyid Malik bin Shihab al Said, a board member of Seeb Club, congratulated the team on this well-earned achievement, calling it the natural result of years of continuous work and technical and administrative stability. 'We have maintained the same coaching staff and core player lineup, which directly contributed to sustained high performance and positive results,' he said. 'This has been one of the most competitive seasons, especially among the top four teams.' He added, 'Our ambitions don't stop here we now aim to replicate this success in the league final against Al Salam. We know it will be a tough match, but we are confident in our team's ability to keep up the strong performance and win the title.' Seventh title reaffirms Seeb's dominance in volleyball FATIGUE On the other side, Majees coach Haithem al Waslati attributed the loss to physical fatigue after playing the semifinal less than 24 hours earlier. 'We weren't at our best mentally or physically, and now our focus shifts to the league,' he said a sentiment echoed by several players. Majees player Hilal al Maqbali pointed out that "match congestion, a short preparation window, and lack of cohesion" significantly impacted the team's performance — especially since a new professional player joined and a new coach took over just two days before the final. Adam al Jalboobi agreed, stating that 'the team had only one light training session, and the sudden coaching change affected our gameplay.' From the Oman Volleyball Association (OVA) side, Dr Salam al Toubi, OVA Vice-Chairman, described the championship as successful by all standards. 'We witnessed strong competition among 19 clubs, and the technical level this season was high thanks to the presence of foreign professionals,' he said. Aisha al Jabri, a board member of the federation, also praised the quality of the matches, noting that the involvement of professional players helped elevate the overall standard. She revealed that the OVA is currently studying mechanisms to better regulate the recruitment of foreign players in a way that benefits the sport in the long-term.
Muscat Daily
23-04-2025
- Muscat Daily
Omani adventurer goes 8000km around GCC on foot
Omani adventurer walks 8,000km across GCC to promote unity, peace, and boost tourism in the sultanate Bakhit Salim Mohammed al Amri, a 58-year-old resident of Sadah in Dhofar, has completed an extraordinary 8,000km journey on foot across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. His mission was to promote tourism, foster unity and peace among GCC citizens, and raise awareness on environmental sustainability. Speaking to Muscat Daily , Amri said, 'I began the first leg of my journey on January 1, 2024, walking from Salalah to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, covering over 3,000km in three months.' He had set out from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Complex in Salalah, inspired by the historic routes his ancestors once took to perform Hajj and Umrah. Braving extreme weather and physical exhaustion, he reached Mecca on March 18, 2024, performed Umrah, and continued on foot to Medina. Encouraging young athletes The second phase of his odyssey began on September 1, 2024, from Seeb Club. Over several months, Amri walked 4,200km across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, averaging 40 to 45km daily. He returned to Medina by the end of December 2024 before flying back to Muscat. 'Throughout my journey, I visited sports clubs across Oman, encouraging young athletes to embrace adventure, fitness, and cross-cultural exchange,' he said. 'In the UAE, I explored major tourist landmarks and connected with local athletes. In Saudi Arabia, I met Bedouin sheikhs, while in Qatar, I engaged with sports officials.' One of the most challenging segments was a 200km coastal road to Dammam with no available services. 'It was a true test of faith and endurance,' the Omani adventurer recalled. From there, he made his way to Bahrain, visited the National Museum, and met local athletes. In Kuwait, he connected with Bedouin tribes and sports clubs, inviting them to explore Oman. His journey also took him to Riyadh, ancient villages, and Buraidah – home to the region's oldest date market – before concluding this leg of the walk in Medina. The final leg On January 1 this year, Amri began the final stretch – a 1000km walk from Muscat to Salalah with the participation of Omani athletes. The 23-day trek included stops in Seeb, Fanja, Samail, Izki, Bashair, Adam, Northern Ghaba, Haima, Maqshan, Thumrait, Qairoun, Hayriti, and finally, Salalah. Over the course of one year, Amri walked approximately 8,000km around the GCC and Yemen and visited Medina twice on foot – a historic first for a modern Omani. While promoting tourism and unity, Amri also championed Oman's 2050 vision for carbon neutrality. His campaign called for reduced fossil fuel consumption, increased tree planting – particularly palm trees – adoption of modern irrigation methods, and stronger environmental and wildlife conservation efforts across the GCC. 'My goal was to highlight the health benefits of walking, promote adventure sports, and showcase Oman's rich cultural and natural heritage,' he said. To prepare for the journey, Amri underwent rigorous training, walking 10km to 20km daily. Carrying a 10kg backpack, he relied on a tent, sleeping bag, and essential gear – but above all, determination. Looking ahead, the Omani adventurer plans to develop hiking trails in Dhofar and organise group walking trips to encourage healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyles. 'I'm inviting Omani sports teams to join me in promoting fitness, sustainability, and Oman as a top destination for eco-tourism and cultural discovery,' he said.
Observer
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Seeb emerge Super Cup champs for fourth time
Muscat, March 25 Seeb Club were crowned the volleyball Super Cup champions on Monday after defeating Al Salam Club by three sets to one, in a match held at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher under the auspices of Captain Pilot Nasser al Salmi, Chief Operating Officer of Oman Air. With this victory, Seeb continued their dominance by securing the title for the fourth consecutive edition. The match started with high intensity from both sides. Seeb took an early lead through a successful serve from Majid al Shibli and offensive brilliance by Saud al Maamari. However, Al Salam quickly regained composure, relying on powerful spikes from Adam al Jaradi and impressive attacking and passing from their foreign player, Graciano. Despite Seeb's attempts to close the gap, repeated errors in serving and defence gave Al Salam the upper hand. They clinched the first set 25-17 with a calm and organised performance. Determined to bounce back, Seeb entered the second set with clear intent. Yet it was Al Salam who again started strong, scoring three consecutive points through Graciano. Seeb then began to find their rhythm, capitalising on Al Salam's individual errors to narrow the gap. Bogdan shone with his offensive strikes, supported by a solid blocking wall formed by Ismail al Haidi and Youssef al Shukeili. Adam al Jalbubi and Younis al Amri imposed a fast-paced offensive rhythm that turned the tide. Seeb dominated the latter part of the set and won 25-18, levelling the match. The third set was evenly matched from the start, with both teams exchanging points. Seeb took the lead thanks to the continued brilliance of Adam al Jalbubi and Younis al Amri, but Al Salam fought back, equalising through Al Jaradi and Graciano. The set featured thrilling moments, including a tie at 18 points and a brief lead by Al Salam in critical moments. However, Seeb showed their championship spirit, taking advantage of Al Salam's serving errors. After a long exchange of points, Seeb sealed the set with an exciting 32-25 win, moving closer to clinching the title. Seeb captain receives the trophy. — Abdulwahid al Hamadani FOURTH SET Both teams entered the fourth set with caution and intense focus. But Seeb displayed superior mental readiness, opening the scoring through Ismail al Haidi and Bogdan. They maintained an organised performance on both defence and offence. Adam al Jalbubi continued to impress, widening the gap with his powerful strikes. Despite Al Salam's efforts to stage a comeback through Al Jaradi and Graciano, Seeb maintained their lead thanks to team spirit and tactical discipline. In the final moments, they capitalised on Al Salam's mistakes to finish the set 25-21, officially crowning themselves as Super Cup champions. Seeb coach Jamal al Maamari expressed his happiness with the title win, attributing the victory to the players' readiness and the constant support from the club's management. 'The players delivered when it mattered most, and the administration provided an ideal working environment that helped us succeed,' he said. Al Maamari said the team faced challenges after participating in the Arab Championship, but noted that competing with strong teams helped elevate their performance. He credited the technical staff and mental focus for helping the team regain form and overcome that phase. He also affirmed that Seeb aim to achieve even more titles, stating, 'We've won all four Super Cups so far, and now our goal is the league and the ministry Shield.' He thanked all team members and praised Al Salam's performance, describing them as a strong and experienced team, especially with several national team players in their ranks. Al Maamari concluded, 'This is my 13th title with Seeb in six seasons, and the ambition to win more championships continues.' The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used multiple times during the match to review key plays, including a crucial point in the third set. The reviews added tension but ensured fair decisions. Pics by: Abdulwahid al Hamadani
Observer
03-03-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Seeb to take on Kuwait's Al Arabi in AFC Challenge
Muscat: Oman's Seeb Club are gearing up to take on Kuwait's Al Arabi on Wednesday at the latter's home at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Sabah Stadium in Sulaibikhat in the quarterfinal first-leg match of 2024-25 AFC Challenge League. Seeb's delegation arrived in Kuwait on Monday and they will have two training sessions ahead of the encounter. The second-leg matches of quarterfinal round are on March 12 and 13 while the semifinals are scheduled on April 9 and 17 in two legs too. The final match of the AFC Challenge League will be held on May 10. The runners-up of the HM Cup and the league leaders are entering the match with strong advantage as they have managed to win all the three matches to top Group C. Seeb had a memorable continental debut in 2022 after they lifted the historic AFC Cup. Seeb are inch closer to lift the second consecutive and fourth overall Oman Professional League shield as they are currently leading the table order of the top domestic league. Seeb head coach Nikola Djurovic will depend on the stars who are representing the current squad of the national football team including: Jameel al Yahmadi, Mohammed al Musallami, Ahmed al Khamisi and Zaher al Aghbari besides former players like Eid al Farsi, Abdulaziz al Maqbali and others. On the other hand, Al Arabi from Kuwait advanced to the knockout stage as the best runners-up in the West Region, besides that they are 17-time Kuwait Premier League champions. Al Arabi SC managed to earn a 2-1 win over Al Nasr in the last round of Kuwait's league and they revived their hopes to compete against Kuwait SC in the standings list of the league. In the other matches of West Asia, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata will host Group A winners East Bengal of India against Group B winners FC Arkadag. The home side, who won their maiden Super Cup in 2024, are appearing in a knockout stage for a fifth time and were AFC Cup semifinalists in 2013. Their opponents from Turkmenistan, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable rise since being founded in 2023 – two successive league and cup doubles have been achieved by winning all 66 domestic matches to date and they will eye further progress on their continental debut.
