MUSCAT: The Omani coach Rasheed bin Jaber al Yafai, 62 years old, was named coach of the Month for February 2026 in the Iraq Stars League after guiding Al Quwa Al Jawiya (Air Force Club) to a run of successive victories and maximum points in recent rounds.
Upon taking charge of the Iraqi side, Rasheed described his move as a new challenge in a coaching journey spanning more than 35 years.
Speaking to the club’s official media, he stressed that Al Quwa Al Jawiya is a big club that always aspires to win titles, noting that restoring the team to its natural position requires time and patience. He highlighted his passion for work, competitive spirit and determination to succeed, particularly after the team’s dip in form last season.
Al Yafai reappointment as Oman national team coach in September 2024, succeeding Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy, marked another chapter in his journey with the national side.
At international level, Rasheed led the national team in certain matches during World Cup qualifiers.
Also guided Oman to the final of the Gulf Cup 2024, held in Kuwait, after securing a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia with ten men from the 34th minute, before finishing runners-up following a 1-2 defeat to Bahrain in the final.
On the domestic front, Rasheed bin Jaber has enjoyed notable success with Omani clubs. As led Seeb to a historic AFC Cup title in 2022, becoming the first Omani club to win the continental trophy after defeating Kuala Lumpur City 3-0 in the final.
Earlier, Al Yafai guided Dhofar to the league title and His Majesty's Cup in 1999, and steered Al Nasr in 2000, becoming the first coach to win the competition with two different clubs in consecutive years, and the first to reach the His Majesty's Cup final four times in a row.
Rasheed bin Jaber began his football journey as a player with Dhofar, where he was part of the generation that finished runners-up in the GCC Clubs Championship in the late 1980s, one of the early external achievements for Omani football, before transitioning into coaching.
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