World

A look at Roberto Mancini, Saudi Arabia’s new football head coach

In his first press conference as the new head coach of Saudi Arabia, Roberto Mancini was unambiguous in outlining his goals for the national team.

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“Our target is to try and win the Asian Cup after 27 years,” Mancini said last week. “We know there are many top teams, like Japan, South Korea and Australia, but I’m sure if we prepare, we can achieve this.”

Mancini’s words don’t seem like an empty promise. He is a born winner whose seven head coach jobs have yielded 13 trophies. Only at the Russian side Zenit St Petersburg did he fail to secure silverware, and his success rate means that Saudi Arabian fans have genuine reason to be optimistic.

His three successive Serie A title wins with Inter Milan and leading his native Italy to European Championship glory in 2021 speak highly of his credentials as a coach.

However, it is Mancini’s role in the meteoric ascent of Manchester City that will likely be his enduring legacy.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini reacts as England manager Gareth Southgate looks on during the Euro 2020 Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium, London, Britain, July 11, 2021. (Pool via Reuters/Frank Augstein)

Sergio Aguero’s dramatic last-second Premier League title-winning salvo remains etched in the memory of football fans worldwide. Millions watched open-mouthed as City pipped neighbors Manchester United on goal difference on the final day of the 2011-12 season to secure the most dramatic of triumphs.

Eleven years later, Mancini has an opportunity to make history again, this time with Saudi Arabia.

The seeds of possibility for the Green Falcons were sown with last December’s stunning win in a World Cup group match against eventual winners Argentina. That win is ample evidence that Mancini now has a group of players capable of competing with, quite literally, the world’s best.

The dramatic shift in the Saudi football landscape in recent months, with several world-class players joining the Roshn Saudi League, further raises expectations. With Saudi players regularly sharing pitches with many global superstars, greater opportunity for technical development exists at this moment than at any stage in the Kingdom’s football history.

(L-R): N’golo Kante, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez.

“The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene,” Mancini himself explained at last week’s unveiling. “I firmly believe that the passionate footballing culture of Saudi Arabia and the intrinsic quality of Saudi players are crucial ingredients for success.”

The Italian coach’s new assignment officially begins this week with a pair of friendlies at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park in England. First up is Costa Rica on Friday, while fellow Asian heavyweight South Korea is the opponent next Tuesday.

Further friendlies are planned against Mali in October and Malaysia in January, sandwiching a pair of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against either Cambodia or Pakistan, and then Jordan in November.

This means Mancini has six matches to get into grips with his players before the tournament he is targeting – the AFC Asian Cup – begins in Qatar in January. Saudi Arabia faces Oman, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand in what appears on paper to be a very winnable group.

Mancini’s first squad has a somewhat familiar feel, with many of Saudi Arabia’s World Cup heroes included.

However, there are also call-ups for 11 players who didn’t make it to Qatar, including a first selection for Al-Taawoun goalkeeper Raghed al-Najjar.

SAFF President Signs Contract with Mancini as New Coach of the Saudi National Football Team until 2027. (Twitter)

The others welcomed back into the fold are Ahmed Bamsaud (Al-Ittihad), Ahmed Sharahili (Al-Ittihad), Fahad Al-Muwallad (Al-Shabab), Abdulaziz Al-Bishi (Damac), Abdulrahman Ghareeb (Al-Nassr), Abdullah Al-Khaibari (Al-Nassr), Sumayhan Al-Nabit (Al-Ahli), Ali Hazai (Al-Ettifaq), Fahad Al-Rashidi (Al Ahli) and Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who is included after two goals in four games for league leaders Al-Hilal this season.

“The squad is strong with talented players,” Mancini said. “I believe we have what it takes to elevate our game if we work hard.”

There is no question that Mancini has big boots to fill. Not only did former coach Herve Renard lead Saudi Arabia to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he also masterminded the biggest result in the Green Falcons’ history – silencing Lionel Messi’s Argentina with a shock 2-1 victory in Lusail.

Renard was charismatic and well-loved by his players, with a viral video famously giving insight into how his impassioned team-talks inspired the victory over Argentina.

However, Mancini himself is also renowned for being a great man-motivator who can get the best out of his players – a fact demonstrated by his Euro 2020 victory with an Italy side that contained no obvious stars.

Saudi Football Federation President Yasser al-Misehal certainly appeared happy at landing Mancini, who became the second Italian to coach a national team in the Gulf after Alberto Zaccheroni took UAE to the Asia Cup semi-finals in 2019.

“Roberto believes in Saudi football and our desire to develop top competitive players and take them to new heights on the world stage,” Al-Misehal said. “We’re a footballing nation and we [are] continuing to invest at every level in our journey to compete with the best in the world – on and off the pitch,” he added.

Mancini will need to use every ounce of his coaching prowess to propel his new national team to Asian Cup success. Still, with a glittering coaching career behind him and a wave of positive feeling currently running through Saudi football, he could well be the man to bring home the trophy that Green Falcons fans crave the most.

Roberto Mancini takes the helm as head coach of Saudi national football team

Roberto Mancini appointed as new coach for Saudi Arabia national team

Original Article

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
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well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

World

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development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
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On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”