Ben Harburg, owner of Al-Khulood Club, expressed mixed emotions on the eve of the King’s Cup final against Al-Hilal, confirming that his team reaching this stage represents a historic moment for the club and its fans.
In a special statement to "Asharq Al-Awsat," Harburg said: "I am overwhelmed with many feelings; I feel proud, anxious, and scared, but I am truly very happy. I am happy for our fans, as they will enjoy a stage and experience they have never lived through in their history."
Event Details
Harburg added: "I am happy for our players, many of whom - including myself - have never played in a match like this in our history. I believe this is wonderful for Saudi football; it proves that small clubs with limited resources can achieve very good results."
He also emphasized that this match represents a strong message for young players, stating: "Even if you are playing in the English third division, you can reach this stadium." He pointed out the importance of financial sustainability in achieving sporting success, saying: "I believe this shows people that in a responsible and financially sustainable way, you can lead a team to reach this cup."
Background & Context
Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, the final match of the King’s Cup is held between Al-Khulood and Al-Hilal at the Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi Minister of Sports, expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for sponsoring this major sporting event.
The prince also highlighted the importance of the support provided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Saudi sports, which serves as an additional motivation to continue building and developing this vital sector.
Impact & Consequences
Al-Hilal, led by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, hopes to achieve its first title since he took over, aiming to strengthen its position in Saudi football after being eliminated early in the last edition of the championship. Meanwhile, Al-Khulood, currently in fourteenth place in the league, represents the dark horse in the tournament after eliminating the defending champion, Al-Ittihad, in the semifinals.
This match presents a golden opportunity for Al-Khulood to prove its competitiveness, especially after achieving positive results recently. On the other hand, Al-Hilal seeks to return to the podium after a long absence from titles.
Regional Significance
This match showcases the evolution of football in Saudi Arabia, where smaller clubs are now capable of competing for major titles. These events reflect the general trend towards developing sports in the region, enhancing Saudi Arabia's position as a leading sports destination.
In conclusion, Al-Khulood's reach to the final represents a historic achievement, reflecting the ability of smaller clubs to succeed amid fierce competition. This event is an opportunity to highlight Saudi football and its ongoing development.