RSL Debutants: How teams have fared in first top-flight season

Al Kholood will create history this Roshn Saudi League season when they add their name to the pantheon of clubs to have played in the Saudi Pro League era.

Finishing third in the First Division League last season, they become the second club from the 120,000 people city of Ar Rass to ever play in the RSL, although miss out on a local derby after Al Hazem went the other way at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

The three clubs that will be joining us next season are confirmed! Congratulations to Al Qadsiah, Al Orobah and Al Kholood! #yallaRSL pic.twitter.com/4ImX6V5Ojq

— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2024

Al Okhdood — 2023-24

While Al Kholood became the latest club to join the SPL fraternity, one of the most recent “inductees” came last season when Al Okhdood competed in the RSL for the first time.

As can often be the case for newly promoted clubs, life at the top wasn’t always easy. The Najran side won only one of their first nine matches, putting them on the back foot from the get-go. However, there were high spots throughout the season, and ultimately, survival.

Three wins and a draw from the final five games before the mid-season break saw Al Okhdood climb clear of the relegation zone. An upset 3-2 victory against Jeddah giants Al Ahli upon resumption continued their good form, although they quickly came back to earth with a run of eight matches without success.

Two managers later, a win on the final day against Al Tai saw Al Okhdood escape relegation by a solitary point, and they are back this season for another campaign in the top tier. Their maiden season will always be remembered for THAT run by Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri.