Tribune News Network
Riyadh
Following a summer of high anticipation, the third season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League returns on Friday with a number of top clashes to open the new campaign this weekend.
The 2024-25 season will feature 10 clubs for the first time, competing in 90 matches across an 18-game week season of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Women’s Premier League, with the league aiming to inspire a new generation of female footballers.
Opening up the first game week will be newly promoted side Al Taraji, who will host Al Shabab featuring new signings Kheira Hamraoui from PSG and former Levante attacker, Natasa Andonova.
In a clash of last year’s top sides, Saudi Women’s Premier League champions Al Nassr will open their title defence at home to SAFF First Division League champions Al-Ula FC on Friday 27 September.
The first match of the new season will feature league debuts for Al Nassr’s new head coach, Sandro Mendes as well as former Real Madrid defender Kathellen Sousa.
The 2023-24 runners up, Al Ahli Saudi will be looking to start strong with the Jeddah side heading to Taif to face Al Amal for their opening fixture of the new campaign. On 28 September, Al Hilal begins their season at home in Riyadh against Dammam-based side Eastern Flames, with both clubs aiming to improve on their mixed 2023-24 campaigns.
To close out a thrilling first game week of the new season, Al Ittihad featuring new Slovenia stopper Zala Mersnik will play host to Al Qadsiah FC, with former Juventus midfielder Sara Bjork to feature in her Saudi debut on Saturday.
Ahead of the new season, the Women’s Premier League began its new kick-off campaign titled ‘#SeeUsPlay’, inviting football fans to celebrate the growing women’s game in the Kingdom. With more than 20 nationalities now competing in the league going into its third year, Saudi women’s football continues to go from strength to strength.
The development of Saudi Arabian football, in line with the nation’s Growing Together campaign to inspire the growth of football, both on and off the pitch, across Saudi Arabia and beyond.