Al Shabab focused on AFC Challenge League tie against Kuwait Club

MUSCAT: The newly appointed head coach of Al Shabab, Eelco Schattorie, affirmed his team’s full commitment and focus ahead of their crucial 2025-26 AFC Challenge League double-header against Kuwait Club next month. Al Shabab will host the first leg on March 4 at Seeb Stadium before travelling for the return leg on March 11 at Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamed Stadium in Kuwait, in what promises to be a decisive continental encounter.
Speaking exclusively to Oman Observer, the Uefa Pro Licence holder — who brings more than 30 years of coaching experience — stressed that his players are fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge.
“I took charge of Al Shabab on January 27, 2026, and have been working with the team for the past few weeks,” the Dutch coach said. “Everyone understands that the upcoming matches in the AFC Challenge League will be very tough. At this level, nobody can predict the result. But what I can assure is that the players will fight to win.”
Schattorie emphasised that his immediate priority is to shape the squad both physically and tactically for the high-intensity continental fixtures. “Our main focus now is preparing the players properly for these matches, especially the games against Kuwait Club,” he explained. “We have some injuries in the squad, but we are working hard to ensure that everyone is ready in time.”
The experienced coach acknowledged the expectations surrounding Omani clubs in Asian competitions, particularly following Seeb’s historic AFC Cup triumph in 2022 which was the first continental title achieved by an Omani side.
“I know that people remember Seeb’s achievement and hope to see similar success again,” he said. “But my philosophy is simple as we take each match separately. The objective is to win the next game and then move step by step towards our ultimate target.”

KNOCKOUT FOOTBALL
Schattorie highlighted the unforgiving nature of knockout football, noting that continental matches demand a different mentality compared to domestic league fixtures. “These types of matches are different from league games. In league competitions, you may have another chance to recover from a loss. In knockout competitions, defeat significantly reduces your chances of progressing. That is why focus, discipline and concentration are essential.”
Having previously coached and served as technical director at several clubs in the Middle East including Muscat Club and Fanja Club, coach Schattorie also addressed preparations during the holy month of Ramadan, which coincides with the upcoming fixtures.
“I have coached extensively in the Middle East and understand that training during Ramadan requires a different approach,” he said. “We will hold night training sessions after Iftar and adjust our programme carefully to maintain fitness and performance levels ahead of these important matches.”
Before shifting full attention to the continental stage, Al Shabab will face domestic duties in the Jindal League. The team will meet Al Khabourah on Friday in week 15 of the top tier league at Seeb Stadium as the match will with kick-off at 10 pm.
Al Shabab come into the fixture on the back of a 2-0 victory over Ibri in Week 14 of the league and currently occupy third place in the standings with 29 points. Seeb are topping the standings by 35 points (six points difference with Al Shabab) and Al Nasr are second with 31 points (two points difference with Al Shabab), keeping them firmly in the title race.
Key players expected to feature prominently in the upcoming fixtures include goalkeeper Ibrahim al Mukhaini, defenders Mahmood al Mushaifri and Robin Hunghot, along with midfielders Yousef al Malki, Bashar al Balushi and Musab al Maamari.