Al-Seeb Club

Al-Seeb Club is a professional multi-sport club based in Seeb, Oman, most renowned for its football team that competes in the Oman Professional League, the top tier of Omani football.^[1] Founded on March 1, 1972, through the merger of four local teams—Al-Hilal, Al-Watan, Al-Batoola, and Al-Fadaa—the club was established to unite the youth of the Seeb region and promote sports development.^[2] Re-registered on June 26, 2002, Al-Seeb has grown into one of Oman's most prominent sporting institutions, presided over by Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimour Al Said since 1982, and features facilities including a grass football stadium and a multi-purpose hall for handball, volleyball, and basketball.^[1] In football, Al-Seeb has secured four Oman Professional League titles, winning in the 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24, and 2024–25 seasons, establishing itself as a dominant force in domestic competition.^[3] The club also claimed the prestigious 2022 AFC Cup with a 3–0 victory over Kuala Lumpur City FC in the final, marking the first continental title for any Omani club and qualifying them for the 2023–24 AFC Champions League play-offs. Earlier successes include three consecutive His Majesty's Cups from 1996 to 1998 and first-place finishes in the Muscat League in 1976 and 2001.^[1] Beyond football, Al-Seeb excels in multiple disciplines, with its hockey team winning seven His Majesty's Cups between 1989 and 1997, and the volleyball section claiming seven Omani Premier League titles from 1988 to 2008.^[1] The club's basketball, handball, table tennis, and athletics programs have also garnered numerous national championships, reflecting its commitment to fostering athletic excellence across Omani sports.^[2]

Club overview

Founding and location

Al-Seeb Club was established on March 1, 1972, through the merger of four local teams—Al-Hilal, Al-Watan, Al-Batoola, and Al-Fadaa—in the Al-Seeb area.^[2] The club is located in Al-Seeb, a coastal town in the Muscat Governorate of Oman, situated several kilometers northwest of the capital, Muscat. As a community-based organization formed from regional teams, it serves to represent and unite the local population in sports activities. Initially founded as a multi-sport entity, Al-Seeb Club encompassed various disciplines including table tennis, basketball, handball, and volleyball, though it later concentrated primarily on football.

Name, colours, and symbols

Al-Seeb Club, officially known as نادي السيب in Arabic, is the full name of this Omani professional football club based in Al-Seeb. The name derives from the wilayat (district) of Al-Seeb in the Sultanate of Oman, with no recorded historical changes to the official designation since its establishment.^[2] The club is popularly nicknamed "Sayyid Al-Nawadi," translating to "Master of the Clubs" or "Owner of the Clubs," reflecting its prominent status in Omani football, and sometimes referred to as "The Emperor" in fan and media contexts. These monikers emphasize the club's dominance and prestige within the local sports landscape.^[4] Al-Seeb Club's primary colors are yellow and green, which form the basis of its visual identity and kits. The home kit traditionally features a yellow base with green accents, such as sleeves, collars, and trim, while the away kit reverses this with a predominant green jersey accented in yellow; these designs have been consistent since the club's early years, often using darker shades for distinction. The colors symbolize vitality and growth, aligning with Omani cultural motifs of nature and heritage, though no explicit official explanation ties them directly to specific regional symbolism.^[5] The club's crest, prominently displayed on kits and official materials, incorporates the name "Al-Seeb Club" in both Arabic script and English lettering, set against a stylized background that evokes local pride, though detailed symbolic elements like specific motifs are not publicly documented in standard descriptions.^[6]

History

Early years (1972–1990s)

Al-Seeb Club integrated into the Oman Football Association's competitive structure shortly after its 1972 founding through the merger of four local teams, beginning participation in national football leagues in the mid-1970s. Records confirm the club's involvement in the 1974/75 season, marking its entry into organized Omani competitions as one of the nation's emerging football entities. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Al-Seeb competed in the domestic leagues, gradually building its presence in Omani football. By the late 1980s, the club had secured a position in the top tier, achieving a respectable 4th place finish in the Omani League during the 1987/88 season. This period laid the groundwork for further development, with the club also recording 5th place in 1991/92 and a strong runner-up position in 1994/95. The 1990s brought Al-Seeb's first major successes, particularly in cup competitions, where the club demonstrated growing competitiveness. Al-Seeb won the Sultan Qaboos Cup in 1996, followed by back-to-back triumphs in 1997 with a 1-0 victory over Al-Oruba and in 1998 with a 1-0 win against Al-Ahli Sidab. These victories highlighted the club's rising stature in domestic football.^[7] Leadership stability played a key role in this foundational era, with His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said assuming the role of club chairman in 1982 and guiding its administrative and developmental efforts, including early initiatives toward a youth system to nurture local talent. As one of Oman's longest-serving club presidents, his tenure emphasized sustainable growth amid the evolving landscape of Omani sports.^[1]

2000s and 2010s

During the 2000s, Al-Seeb Club established itself as a consistent presence in Oman's top-flight Omani League, achieving third-place finishes in the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons before settling into mid-table positions, such as fourth in 2007–08.^[8] The club reached the final of the Oman Super Cup in 2004, finishing as runners-up to Muscat Club.^[9] Infrastructure enhancements supported this era, including upgrades to Al-Seeb Stadium that improved facilities for matches and training. In 2007, Al-Seeb secured its first major honor of the decade by winning the Oman Professional League Cup, defeating Sur SC 2–1 in the final, which boosted the club's profile and demonstrated competitive depth in cup competitions.^[10] The club frequently advanced to the quarterfinals of the Sultan Qaboos Cup during this period, reflecting sustained involvement in Oman's premier knockout tournament, though without reaching further stages. Managerial transitions emphasized professionalization, with international coaches like Brazilian Luísinho Lemos (2004–05) and Portuguese Fana (2005–06 and 2008–09) brought in to refine tactics and youth integration.^[11] The 2010s brought challenges and adaptation as Omani football transitioned to full professionalism with the launch of the Oman Professional League in 2010–11, compelling clubs like Al-Seeb to enhance operations, including player contracts and administrative structures.^[12] Al-Seeb experienced relegation in 2014–15 after a 14th-place finish but earned promotion back via second place in the First Division in 2018–19, alongside a fourth-place league standing in 2013–14.^[8] This decade saw continued hiring of international expertise, such as Croatian Bruno Šiklić (2018–19) and Bosnian-Herzegovinan Davor Berber (2016–18), while academy developments focused on youth scouting and training programs to align with league requirements for sustainable talent pipelines. Stadium renovations in 2010 added seating across sections, reducing capacity to 8,000 but enhancing spectator safety and comfort.^[13]

2020s and recent developments

In the early 2020s, Al-Seeb Club navigated significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the 2020–21 Oman Professional League season without a champion being declared.^[14] Despite these challenges, the club demonstrated resilience by securing the Oman Professional League title in the 2019–20 season and rebounding to win again in 2021–22—along with the Sultan Qaboos Cup and Oman Super Cup that year—followed by successive victories in 2023–24 and 2024–25.^[10] These achievements, totaling four league titles within six years as of 2025, solidified Al-Seeb's status as a dominant force in Omani football, often referred to as establishing a modern dynasty through consistent top-tier performance. The 2022 Sultan Qaboos Cup triumph marked the club's fourth title in the competition and first since 1998.^[7] Adding to their domestic success, Al-Seeb claimed the 2023–24 Oman Super Cup, defeating the previous season's cup winners Al-Nahda 2–1 in a match that highlighted their depth and tactical discipline.^[10] The victory underscored the club's ability to respond to competitive pressures post-pandemic, with enhanced squad management and strategic investments contributing to their sustained excellence.^[15] On the international stage, the 2022 AFC Cup win—Oman’s first continental title, secured with a 3–0 final victory over Kuala Lumpur City FC—qualified Al-Seeb for the 2023–24 AFC Champions League play-offs and elevated the club's global profile. In 2025, Al-Seeb participated in the AFC Challenge League, where they secured a 3–2 victory over Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings in their Group B opener on October 25, showcasing attacking prowess with three goals in a thrilling encounter.^[16] Earlier that year, in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Two, they faced India's FC Goa on August 13, falling 2–1 but gaining valuable continental experience against regional rivals.^[17] These fixtures marked Al-Seeb's continued push into Asian competitions, building on their league dominance to elevate the club's profile abroad.

Stadium and facilities

Al-Seeb Stadium

Al-Seeb Stadium, situated in the Al-Seeb district of Muscat Governorate, Oman, serves as the primary home venue for Al-Seeb Club's football matches.^[18] The facility is a multi-use stadium primarily dedicated to football, featuring a natural grass surface and no running track, making it the largest football-specific venue in the region.^[19] Opened in 2004, the stadium has a seating capacity of 14,000 spectators and is equipped with modern amenities, including 38 VIP seats and 54 dedicated press seats.^[20][18][19] During the 2010s, it underwent significant renovations, notably in 2010 when seating was added across all sections; this initially reduced capacity to 8,000 before adjustments were made in response to fan feedback to accommodate larger crowds.^[13] The pitch adheres to standard international dimensions for football, supporting high-level competitions with floodlighting for evening fixtures.^[19] Historically, Al-Seeb Stadium has played a key role in Omani football, hosting the club's domestic league and cup matches since its inception as their home ground.^[18] It has also welcomed the Oman national football team for international fixtures, including several 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification games shared with teams like Syria.^[21] The venue has seen notable attendances during pivotal club events, such as celebrations following league title victories in recent years.

Training and youth facilities

Al-Seeb Club's primary training facilities are located adjacent to Al-Seeb Stadium in Seeb, Oman, featuring multiple grass pitches dedicated to player preparation and development. These grounds, established alongside the stadium's opening in 2004, include secondary fields specifically for training sessions, supporting the first team and reserve squads with modern amenities such as changing rooms and lighting systems. The club's headquarters further incorporates a multi-purpose sports hall equipped for indoor activities, including strength and conditioning workouts, which complements outdoor training.^[22][19][2] The club's youth academy, operational since the 1990s, focuses on talent identification and progression through structured age-group teams, including under-14, under-16, and under-18 squads that compete in national and regional tournaments. These programs emphasize technical skills, tactical awareness, and pathways to the senior team, with the academy participating in international exchanges such as visits to Manchester City's facilities in 2025. Historical successes include multiple championships for the under-16 and under-18 teams between 1995 and 2001, while recent highlights feature the under-14 side winning the Arab Elite Cup in July 2025.^[1][23][24] Integration with the Oman Football Association supports scouting and development initiatives, enabling the academy to nurture players for national youth teams. Notable alumni include Omani international Zahir Al-Aghbari, a left winger who progressed from the club's youth system to represent the senior national team. The facilities accommodate ongoing programs like summer camps, fostering a capacity for hundreds of young athletes annually.^[1][25][26]

Domestic achievements

League titles

Al-Seeb Club has secured the Oman Professional League title four times, in the 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24, and 2024–25 seasons, marking their emergence as a dominant force in Omani football during the 2020s.^[12][27] The club's inaugural championship in 2019–20 ended a lengthy title drought dating back to their founding in 1972, when they had yet to claim the top-flight crown despite earlier successes in cup competitions.^[12] This breakthrough was followed by a second triumph in 2021–22, and then back-to-back victories in 2023–24 and 2024–25, solidifying their status among Oman's elite clubs.^[27] The following table summarizes Al-Seeb's performance in their title-winning seasons, including match counts (26 games in earlier formats, 22 in recent ones), wins, draws, losses, and total points: ^{[28][29][30][31]} Notable among these campaigns was the 2019–20 season, where Al-Seeb suffered just one defeat en route to their maiden title, showcasing defensive solidity with only 13 goals conceded.^[32] In 2023–24, they again lost only once while topping the table with 57 points, repeating the feat from their debut championship.^[33] The 2024–25 title was clinched in the final matchday with a 1–1 draw against Al-Nasr, securing their fourth crown amid a competitive field.^[34] In terms of historical standing, Al-Seeb's four league titles tie them with Al-Nahda, Al-Oruba, and Suwaiq for fourth place overall, trailing rivals Dhofar SC, who lead with 11 championships and significantly more accumulated points across their campaigns.^[12] This recent haul has elevated Al-Seeb's total points in the professional era, positioning them as a key challenger to Dhofar's long-term dominance.^[12]

Cup competitions

Al-Seeb Club has achieved significant success in Omani domestic cup competitions, particularly in the Sultan Qaboos Cup and the Oman Super Cup, contributing to their reputation as a competitive force in single-elimination formats. These tournaments emphasize knockout play, contrasting with the sustained performance required in league competitions. The club's most prominent accomplishment is in the Sultan Qaboos Cup, Oman's flagship knockout competition, where they have secured four titles—in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 2022—making them one of the competition's historic winners. Their inaugural victory came in 1996, a notable achievement that established Al-Seeb as a cup contender early in their development. This was followed by back-to-back triumphs in 1997 (1–0 win over Al-Oruba in the final) and 1998 (1–0 over Sadab), showcasing a dominant late-1990s run with tight defensive displays in the decisive matches. After a 24-year absence from the winner's circle, Al-Seeb reclaimed the trophy in 2022 by defeating Al-Rustaq 2–0 in the final at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, with goals from Muhsen Al-Ghassani and another teammate sealing the victory and completing a domestic double that season.^[7][35][36] In the Oman Super Cup, which pits league and cup champions against each other, Al-Seeb has lifted the trophy three times: 2001, 2022, and 2023. The 2022 edition saw them edge Al-Nahda 2–0, with late goals from Marwan Taeeb (84th minute header) and Salah Al-Yahyaei (stoppage time) proving decisive in their first Super Cup win. They retained the title in 2023 with a 3–1 victory over Al-Nahda, driven by a hat-trick from Abdulaziz Al-Maqbali, who scored in the 3rd, 45th, and 68th minutes to overcome an early deficit and highlight their attacking prowess. These recent triumphs reflect post-2020 dominance, with Al-Seeb winning the competition twice in three years amid strong cup form.^[37][38][27] Beyond these, Al-Seeb has participated extensively in the Oman Professional League Cup (also referred to as the Oman Federation Cup), securing four titles in 2007, 2023, 2024, and 2025, which add to their domestic cup legacy through consistent knockout performances.^[27]

International record

AFC competitions

Al-Seeb Club first entered AFC competitions in the 1995 Asian Club Championship, where they were eliminated in the first round after a 0–0 first leg draw followed by a 0–4 second leg defeat to Al-Salmiya SC of Kuwait.^[39] Three years later, in the 1998 Asian Cup Winners' Cup, they suffered a 1–10 first round loss to PAS Tehran FC of Iran.^[40] The club returned to continental play in the 2010 AFC Cup, competing in Group F alongside Al-Ahed SC (Lebanon), Al-Naft SC (Iraq), and Al-Qadsia SC (Kuwait). Al-Seeb recorded a 1–1 home draw against Al-Ahed but lost their other matches 0–1 to Al-Qadsia and 0–3 to Al-Naft, finishing last in the group with one point and failing to advance to the round of 16.^[41] Al-Seeb's breakthrough came in the 2022 AFC Cup, marking their most successful international campaign to date and making them the first Omani club to win a continental title. In the West Asia Zone Group B, they topped the standings with six points from three matches: a 1–0 win over Jableh SC (Syria) with a goal from Eid Al-Farsi, a 1–2 loss to Al-Kuwait SC (Kuwait), and a 4–0 victory against Al-Ansar FC (Lebanon). As group winners, they advanced to the knockout stage, defeating Al-Riffa SC (Bahrain) 4–0 in the round of 16, Al-Shorta SC (Iraq) 1–0 in the quarter-finals, and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) 2–1 after extra time in the semi-finals. In the final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Al-Seeb secured a 3–0 victory over Kuala Lumpur City FC (Malaysia), with goals from Ali Al-Busaidi (22'), Abdulaziz Al-Muqbali (37'), and Muhsen Al-Ghassani (69'); key contributors included Al-Farsi and Al-Muqbali throughout the tournament.^[42] Following their 2022 triumph, Al-Seeb entered the 2023–24 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs but were eliminated in the play-off round after a 0–1 loss to AGMK (Uzbekistan) on August 15, 2023.^[43] In the 2025–26 season, they competed in the AFC Champions League Two preliminary knockout stage, losing 1–2 to FC Goa (India) with a goal from Nasser Al-Rawahi, which redirected them to the AFC Challenge League group stage. Placed in Group B with Al-Ansar FC (Lebanon), Al-Kuwait SC (Kuwait), and Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh), Al-Seeb earned four points from three matches: a 3–2 home win over Bashundhara Kings, a 1–1 away draw against Al-Kuwait, and a 1–2 home loss to Al-Ansar. With these results, they finished third in the group and were eliminated from knockout contention.^[44][45]

UAFA and other tournaments

Al-Seeb Club has had limited but notable participations in regional tournaments organized by the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) and the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), focusing on Arab and Gulf club competitions. These appearances have provided the club with valuable exposure against regional rivals, though deep runs have been rare. The club's engagements in these events have primarily occurred in the 2010s and 2020s, complementing their stronger showings in AFC continental play. In the UAFA Arab Club Champions Cup, Al-Seeb's most prominent entry came during the 2023 edition's qualifying rounds, where they competed as Oman's top league representative. In the semi-final of the West Asia qualifying playoff, Al-Seeb faced Bahrain's Al-Muharraq across two legs. The first leg ended in a 0–2 defeat on March 14, 2023. In the return leg on April 4, 2023, Al-Seeb secured a 2–0 victory for a 2–2 aggregate, but lost 4–5 on penalties and were eliminated. Earlier in the 2010s, the club made group stage appearances in preliminary rounds but did not progress beyond, with records showing modest results against Arab opponents that served mainly to build player experience. Al-Seeb has also featured in AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League tournaments, with their standout campaign in the 2015 edition. As Omani league champions, they topped their group stage before advancing through the knockout rounds. In the semi-final on May 19, 2015, Al-Seeb drew 1–1 away to Qatar's Al Rayyan (aggregate 2–2 after a 1–1 home first leg), progressing on away goals. They reached the final against UAE's Al-Shabab on May 27, 2015, where a 1–1 draw led to a 3–4 penalty shootout loss at Al-Seeb Stadium, finishing as runners-up. This silver medal remains the club's deepest run in Gulf competitions. Additional appearances occurred in the 2000s, including group stage participations in the early editions of the Gulf Club Champions Cup, though these yielded limited success with early exits and no semifinal advancements. As of November 2025, following their 2024–25 Oman Professional League title, Al-Seeb has not recorded further entries in UAFA or AGCFF tournaments, prioritizing AFC commitments. These regional outings have historically offered tactical insights and player development opportunities, contributing to the club's overall growth despite infrequent podium finishes.

Players and staff

Current first-team squad

As of November 2025, Al-Seeb Club's first-team squad for the 2025–26 season comprises 32 players, the vast majority of whom are Omani nationals, with one foreign player. The squad emphasizes homegrown talent, featuring a mix of experienced veterans and emerging prospects, and is structured to compete in the Oman Professional League and potential cup competitions.^[47]

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeper roster includes three players, all Omani, providing depth and competition in net.

• Ahmed Al-Rawahi (31 years old, contract until 31 May 2027)
• Muatasim Al-Wahaibi (27 years old)
• Osama Al-Rawahi (22 years old)^[47]

Defenders

Defensive options are bolstered by ten players, primarily Omani centre-backs, left-backs, and right-backs, focusing on solidity at the back.

• Ahmed Al-Khamisi (33 years old, centre-back)
• Musab Al-Shaqsy (25 years old, centre-back, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Mohammed Al-Musalami (35 years old, centre-back, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Ali Al-Busaidi (34 years old, left-back, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Saeed Al-Ghanboosi (20 years old, left-back)
• Mohamed Ramadhan (31 years old, right-back)
• Hassan Al-Ajmi (30 years old, right-back, contract until 31 May 2025)
• Jawad Al-Ezzi (20 years old, right-back)
• Osama Al-Mahrooqi (22 years old, right-back)
• Mohammed Al-Hatmi (24 years old)^[47]

Midfielders

The midfield group, the largest in the squad with 12 players—all Omani—covers defensive, central, and attacking roles, including notable contributors like Salah Al-Yahyaei (on loan from Al-Khaldiya until the end of the season) and Tamim Al-Balushi.

• Fahad Khamis (20 years old, defensive midfielder, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Samer Al-Hatmi (22 years old, defensive midfielder)
• Omar Al-Balushi (age not specified, midfielder)
• Arshad Al-Alawi (25 years old, central midfielder, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Abdullah Fawaz (29 years old, central midfielder)
• Omar Al-Fazari (32 years old, central midfielder)
• Eid Al-Farsi (35 years old, central midfielder)
• Salim Al-Raisi (25 years old, central midfielder)
• Abdullah Al-Habsi (24 years old, right midfielder)
• Salah Al-Yahyaei (27 years old, attacking midfielder, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Tamim Al-Balushi (26 years old, attacking midfielder, contract until 31 May 2027)
• Abdul Majeed Al-Balushi (21 years old, attacking midfielder, contract until 31 May 2026)^[47]

Forwards

Seven forwards, six Omani and one Ivorian import, provide attacking firepower; key performers in the early 2025–26 season include Abdul Aziz Al-Muqbali with 2 goals in league play.^[48]

• Zahir Al-Aghbari (26 years old, left winger, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Nasser Al-Rawahi (24 years old, left winger, contract until 31 May 2026; 2 goals in 2025–26)^[49]
• Mahmoun Al-Araimi (21 years old, right winger, contract until 31 May 2026)
• Marwan Mubarak (29 years old, centre-forward)
• Omar Al-Malki (31 years old, centre-forward, contract until 31 May 2025)
• Abdul Aziz Al-Muqbali (36 years old, centre-forward, contract until 31 May 2026; 2 goals in 2025–26)^[48]
• Mamadou Soro (32 years old, centre-forward, Cote d'Ivoire, contract until 31 May 2026)^[47]

Coaching and management personnel

The technical team of Al-Seeb Club is led by head coach Nikola Đurović, a Serbian tactician appointed on August 30, 2025, with a contract running until June 30, 2026.^[50] Đurović, aged 33, previously managed the club from June 2024 to June 2025 before returning following a brief interim period under Romanian coach Valeriu Tița, emphasizing a focus on defensive solidity and youth integration in the Oman Professional League.^[11] His assistant manager, Zoran Kitanoski, a dual Serbian-North Macedonian national appointed alongside Đurović on August 30, 2025, supports tactical preparations and player development.^[50] Administrative leadership centers on club president Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimour Al Said, an Omani royal and prominent sports figure who has held the position since 1982, overseeing the club's professionalization efforts in the 2020s, including infrastructure upgrades and international participation.^[1] No dedicated CEO role is publicly detailed, with executive functions integrated under the president's board, which has prioritized financial stability and compliance with Oman Football Association standards amid the club's 2024–25 league title win.^[51]