MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY) Volleyball Shield for the 2025–26 season begins on Friday, with two anticipated matches at the Al Saadah Sports Complex in Salalah, officially opening a new season that promises intensity and excitement among clubs aiming for championship glory.
Mirbat Club will launch their campaign when they face Dhofar Club at 4 pm, in a highly competitive encounter between a team looking to maintain its strong presence from previous seasons and another seeking a perfect start that will energise its push toward the advanced stages.
Attention then turns at 6 pm to a special derby showdown between Al Nasr and Al Ittihad, one of Dhofar Governorate’s most popular and fiercely contested fixtures expected to draw a large crowd due to the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs. It stands as one of the highlight matches of the opening round.
The Ministry's Shield is one of the key tournaments on the Oman Volleyball Association’s annual calendar, aimed at raising the level of competition among clubs, developing players' skills, and enhancing readiness ahead of other domestic competitions. The first-round matches will continue on November 21, while the tournament concludes in mid-February with the final, which will determine the champions of the current edition.
FIRST DIVISION LEAGUE
In parallel, the First Division Volleyball League continues its final stages, where four teams remain in contention: Seeb, Sohar, Al Bashayer, and Majees. On Friday evening, the Nizwa Sports Complex will host a match between Al Bashayer and Sohar at 6 pm, with Al Bashayer looking to extend their strong performances, while Sohar aim to return to winning ways and secure valuable points.
The stage continues on Saturday, as Seeb meet Majees at 6 pm at Al Amal Club Hall, in a classic clash between two teams with rich histories in domestic competitions and ambitions to top the standings.
The competition resumes on November 21, with two equally strong matchups: Majees will face Sohar in the first match, while defending champions Seeb take on Al Bashayer at 7 pm at Al Amal Club Hall.
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