MUSCAT: Al Shabab are striving striving to create a new chapter in the club’s history by securing their maiden HM Cup title, whereas four-time champions Seeb look to add a fifth one when they meet in the final in Ibra on Thursday.
Al Shabab head coach Hassan Rustam, who expressed his happiness at the team's qualification for the final, emphasised that everyone at Al Shabab want to make history by securing their first title.
"We will give our best performance in the final to win the cup," Rustam told a press conference on Wednesday at Jawharat Bidiyah Resort in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate.
Rustam acknowledged the difficulty of facing Seeb, a club with a rich history in the competition, but he affirmed that his players are fully prepared, both technically and mentally. He added, "Seeb are a championship-winning team, but history has shown that teams reaching the final for the first time have also managed to win the title."
He pointed out that the club’s successful signings have played a crucial role in the team's progress, emphasising that Al Shabab are ready to compete for 90 minutes with their own playing style. Despite the absence of their Brazilian professional player, there is a possibility that Ahed al Hudaifi will participate after recovering from his injury.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab player Khalid al Braiki confirmed the team’s readiness for the final, describing it as a dream for every Omani player. He added, "we will implement the coach’s instructions and give everything we have to win the title."
Al Braiki concluded by stressing the importance of fan support in this decisive match, considering them the "number one" factor in the final, and noting that their encouragement will be a major motivation for the players.
SPECIAL GAME FOR SEEB
Seeb head coach Nikola Djurovic said the final will be a special game for them. "This is a special game for me, my team, and the club. The His Majesty’s Cup holds great significance, and reaching the final is a proud moment. We have worked tirelessly, and we will give everything to become champions."
Regarding the final against Shabab, Djurovic emphasised that it will be different from their previous league encounter: "We lost last time due to our own mistakes, missing several chances before conceding. However, my players are now in better shape, both physically and mentally. We are fully focused and determined to seize this opportunity."
On their only league defeat to Shabab, he admitted: "We created chances but didn’t convert them, and in football, that gets punished. I take full responsibility. Fatigue was also a factor due to our tight schedule, but we have learned from that experience and are ready to move forward."
Addressing mental preparation and injuries, Djurovic stated: "Final comes down to small details. Psychological readiness is as important as physical fitness. I have worked closely with my players, and despite injuries, our medical team has ensured we are fully prepared."
On expectations: "We respect our opponents but trust our abilities. Only one team has taken three points from us this season. Since December, several of our players have played 15-16 matches, yet we remain strong. There is no reason to fear anything — we are ready to give more than 100 per cent."
Seeb captain Eid al Farsi emphasised that the team's preparation for this match is completely different from other games, as it is the cup final. He stated, "after our victory against Sohar, our full focus has been on the final, and we will give our utmost effort to win the title."
He added, "our ambition is strong to claim this championship, and we will do everything we can to achieve this goal."
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