Islamabad (Sports News): Pakistan’s decorated F-Class long-range shooter and sports psychologist Mohsin Nawaz has called for a fundamental shift in the way athletes prepare for international competition, stressing that mental strength must become as integral to sporting success as physical fitness and technical ability.Having served as Pakistan’s first official Sports Psychologist at the 6th World Nomad Games 2026, Mohsin has pledged to use his expertise to strengthen the psychological preparedness of Pakistani sportspersons and help build a more resilient, confident and performance-oriented sporting culture in the country.A recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Lifetime Achievement Award, Mohsin believes Pakistan possesses considerable sporting potential but needs a more structured approach to transforming talent into consistent performances when athletes face the intensity and pressure of major international competitions.According to his vision, psychological preparation should begin well before athletes enter the competitive arena. It should encompass pressure management, stress and anxiety control, goal setting, visualisation, concentration-building exercises and simulated-pressure training designed to recreate competition conditions during practice.Such preparation, he believes, can help athletes develop the composure required to perform in unfamiliar surroundings and high-pressure situations, where a momentary loss of concentration can significantly affect the outcome.“Rather than attempting to eliminate competitive pressure, our goal must be to equip athletes with practical tools to manage it and remain focused on execution,” Mohsin said, drawing on his own experience in F-Class long-range shooting, a discipline in which concentration, patience and emotional control are crucial.His philosophy places mental conditioning within the broader framework of athlete development rather than treating sports psychology as an occasional intervention before a major event. He has urged sports federations and coaches to incorporate psychological assessments, athlete profiling and team-cohesion programmes into regular training structures, particularly well ahead of international assignments.For Mohsin, the objective is not merely to help athletes cope with pressure but to enable them to understand their own psychological responses and develop strategies that allow them to remain composed, focused and confident when circumstances become demanding.His experience and profile in the international sporting arena are further reflected in his association with global industry leaders Kahles Optics and Peregrine Bullets, where he serves as an official Brand Ambassador. He also maintains a key association with HawkSmith Gun & Sporting Club.In line with his broader vision for the development of sporting infrastructure, Mohsin has also highlighted a strategically important initiative being developed in collaboration with HawkSmith. The proposed project seeks to introduce premium shooting and sports facilities in Pakistan, with the aim of providing modern infrastructure and creating professional pathways for young athletes.The initiative is envisioned as more than an infrastructure project. It seeks to encourage a structured sporting lifestyle among Pakistan’s youth while providing emerging athletes with opportunities to develop their skills in a professional environment.Mohsin’s emphasis on mental preparedness comes at a time when sports increasingly demand more than physical strength and technical excellence. At the highest level, athletes must also be able to regulate emotions, maintain concentration, respond to setbacks and execute their plans under intense competitive pressure.His stated mission is therefore to help Pakistani athletes approach international arenas with greater psychological preparedness, resilience and confidence. By combining modern sports-psychology techniques with physical and technical training, he wants athletes to become better equipped to convert preparation into performance.The broader message from Mohsin is clear: mental conditioning should not be an afterthought in Pakistan’s sporting system. It should form a continuous part of an athlete’s journey—from grassroots development and domestic competition to the highest international stage.With his dual experience as an accomplished shooter and sports psychologist, Mohsin is now seeking to promote a culture in which mental strength, emotional control and disciplined preparation are regarded as essential components of sporting excellence.

Sports Bulletin Report Aichi-Nagoya (Japan): Pakistan’s national table tennis team made a determined and encouraging appearance at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, producing competitive performances against some of Asia’s stronger table tennis nations.The Pakistani players displayed fighting spirit, discipline and improving technical standards throughout their matches. Despite facing highly ranked and experienced opponents, the national team competed with confidence and gave a good account of itself on the Asian Games stage.The participation provided valuable international exposure and experience to Pakistan’s players, while also highlighting the progress and potential of table tennis in the country.President of the Pakistan Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) Ahmer Mallick and Secretary PTTF Ejaz Ali were present with the national team, extending their support and encouragement to the players and officials.The team’s competitive performances against stronger opponents have been welcomed as a positive sign for the future of Pakistan table tennis. With continued international exposure, training and institutional support, the players are expected to build on this experience and prepare strongly for upcoming international competitions.

Nagoya (Sports Bulletin Report): Pakistan secured Bronze Medal at the Asian Games women’s cricket event 2026 after they beat Bangladesh by 31 runs at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on Tuesday. Fatima Sana starred with yet another all-round performance as her 45 pushed Pakistan to 145 and then right-arm off-spinner Umm-e-Hani took 3-10 to help restrict Bangladesh to 114-7 in the allotted 20 overs.This is Pakistan’s third Medal in Asian Games women’s cricket history after they secured Gold in 2010 and 2014 events. In 2022, Pakistan lost the Bronze Medal match to Bangladesh.Pakistan’s opening duo of Gull Feroza (31, 23b, 6x4s) and Shawaal Zulfiqar (17, 27b) provided a 46-run opening stand in 6.4 overs after Fatima won the toss and opted to bat first. Bangladesh then managed to get a grip over the proceedings as they picked up five for 21 in a space of five overs.It was at this juncture that Fatima Sana – the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in WT20Is in 2026 – came to the team’s rescue with the bat in tandem with Aliya Riaz as the duo stitched a game-changing 67-run stand off 43 balls. Fatima took her tally of WT20I runs to 540 in 2026 with a superb 30-ball 45 that included three sixes and as many fours.Aliya Riaz struck two sixes and a four in her 22-ball 25 before falling in the penultimate over. The duo upped the ante after Pakistan were 90-5 in 15 overs as Fatima struck Rabeya Khan for a six before both the batters struck a six each against Sanjida Akter in the 17th over. Despite Bangladesh giving only seven runs and taking two wickets in the last over, Pakistan managed to score 55 off the last five overs.Nahid Akter, Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni picked up two wickets each as four off the six Bangladesh bowlers leaked run in excess of six an over.In turn, Hani and Tasmia Rubab gave Pakistan the perfect start with the new ball as the former eked out two wickets – removing Juairiya Ferdous and Sobhana Mostary for single digits – while the latter got rid of Dilara Akter for 12. Saira Jabeen took all three catches with the one off Tasmia’s bowling being a spectacular grab at cover boundary.Bangladesh could not recover from being 20-3 in 4.3 overs despite Nigar Sultana’s (25, 30b, 3x4s) 56-ball 47-run stand with Sharmin Akhter (46 not out, 45b, 4x4s) for the fourth wicket. Bangladesh required more than 10 runs an over at the halfway mark as Nigar was pinned leg-before in the 14th over off Ayesha Zafar.Hani registered her best bowling figures of 3-10 when she got rid of Shorna for six surpassing her previous haul of 2-28 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla this year. Her spell also included a wicket-maiden fifth over. Nashra Sundhu grabbed the seventh Bangladesh wicket with the score at 93 before they finished with 114-7.Fatima – who is also Pakistan leading wicket-taker in WT20I this year – picked the solitary scalp of Ritu Moni to take her tally to 31 in 2026.Scores in briefAsian Games women’s cricket event – Bronze Medal Match – Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 31 runs at Korogi Sports Park, NisshinPakistan 145-8, 20 overs (Fatima Sana 45, Gull Feroza 31; Shorna Akter 2-16, Nahida Akterr 2-21, Ritu Moni 2-27)Bangladesh 114-7, 20 overs (Sharmin Akhter 46 not out, Nigar Sultana 25; Umm-e-Hani 3-10)Pakistan women at Asian Games (All matches at Korogi Athletic Park in Aichi Prefecture)17 September - Quarter-final 4 – Pakistan beat Thailand by three wickets20 September – Semi-final 1 – Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets22 September - Bronze Medal Match – Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 31 runs 

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Ghani steamrolled Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited by an innings and 14 runs to register the first result of the Al Batal Presents ABS Developers President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27 as day three of the second round produced exciting action across Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad on Sunday. Oil and Gas Development Company Limited also inched closer to win against Kingsmen Academy, while Pakistan Television’s Muhammad Taha registered a magnificent double century – his second of the first-class career against State Bank of Pakistan. Khan Research Laboratories’ Imran Rafiq and Asim Ali Nasir’s twin centuries kept Markhor IT Solutions bowlers in the field on entire day three. At Diamond Cricket Ground Islamabad, Khurram picked up five for 75 to take match figures of nine for 116 as SNGPL copped an innings defeat. SNGPL had resumed from their overnight score of 106-2 in 22 overs and still in a 151-run first innings deficit. Sameer Minhas (96, 115b, 13x4s) had kept SNGPL afloat with his second fifty of the game but fell four runs short of his maiden century in the format as his team lost eight for 97. Ghani’s pace trio of Khurram along with Ali Shabbir and Shoaib Akhtar Jnr – who had taken five-for in first innings – accounted for eight wickets between them. At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, PTV’s left-handed batter Taha struck 225 – falling just one short of his previous best in first-class – as his team posted 469 all out in first innings in reply to SBP’s 433 runs. Taha struck 22 fours and two sixes in the 362 balls he faced and helped his team gain a slim first innings lead of 36 as they resumed from overnight score of 268-3 with Taha on 103 not out. In reply, SBP lost four wickets for 84 runs in 23 overs by close of play and were just 48 runs ahead with skipper Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (43 not out, 36b, 8x4s) and first innings centurion Rameez Aziz (2 not out) on the crease. PTV pacers Haris Rauf, Amad Butt and Musa Khan picked up a wicket each. At Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi, replying to MIT Solutions’ first innings total of 660, KRL had racked up 423-5 in 133 overs by close of play courtesy a 159-run stand between centurions Asim Ali Nasir (110 not out, 227b, 11x4s, 2x6s) and Imran Rafiq (122, 192b, 19x4s). KRL had begun the day from overnight score of 140-3 in 43 overs with Shahzaib Khan managing to move from 60 to 75 before falling. Imran and Asim joined forces at 198-4 taking the score to 357 before they were parted. Faheem Ashraf was 28 not out off 73 balls at close with Asim. OGDCL needed another 36 runs to win against Kingsmen Academy after they were 85-1 at stumps in 23 overs with Waqar Ahmed unbeaten on 56 off 78 balls. Earlier, Kingsmen Academy could only manage 203 all out in their second innings after incurring a 83-run first innings deficit. Kingsmen began the day with 35 for no loss in nine overs before OGDCL’s pacer Mohammad Salman and left-arm spinner Danish Aziz ripped through their batting with four wickets each. Salman returned figures of 14.5-3-48-4, while Danish’s four came just for seven runs in four overs. Skipper Mohammad Tayyab Arif (56, 76, 9x4s) was again the lone fighter after his first innings century as no one else crossed the 41-run mark except him in the second dig. Scores in brief – 2nd round – Day 3 Stumps Match 5 – Ghani beat Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited by an innings and 14 runs at Diamond Cricket Ground, IslamabadSNGPL 152 all out, 41.5 overs (Sameer Minhas 53, Mohammad Imran 52; Shoaib Akhtar Jnr 5-34, Khurram Shahzad 4-42) and 243 all out, 60.4 overs (Sameer Minhas 96, Omair Bin Yousuf 35, Imran Dogar 25, Khan Zeb 22, Saad Baig 22; Khurram Shahzad 5-74, Ali Shabbir 2-52) Ghani 409 all out, 103.2 overs (Sharjeel Khan 156, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 76, Khawaja Arham 54, Mohsin Riaz 51, Haseebullah 42; Shahnawaz Dahani 3-103, Sajid Khan 2-85, Khan Zeb 2-108) Match 6 – Khan Research Laboratories v Markhor IT Solutions at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, RawalpindiKRL trail by 237 runs with five wickets remaining in first innings MIT Solutions 660 all out, 126.1 overs (Salman Khan Jnr 181, Mohammad Farooq 163, Atiq-ur-Rehman 142, Samama Riaz 50, Hasnain Nadeem 36, Mohammad Ismail 29; Ahmed Bashir 5-100, Iftikhar Ahmed 2-108, Mohammad Hamza Sohail 2-112) KRL 423-5, 133 overs (Imran Rafiq 122, Asim Ali Nasir 110 not out, Shahzaib Khan 75, Mohammad Faiq 47, Faheem Ashraf 28 not out, Iftikhar Ahmed 24; Mohammad Ismail 2-103) Match 7 – Pakistan Television v State Bank of Pakistan at Abbottabad Cricket StadiumSBP lead by 48 runs with six wickets remaining in second innings SBP 433 all out, 95.1 overs (Rameez Aziz 120, Hasan Raza 75, Naqeebullah 74, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori 66, Sirajuddin 25, Faham-ul-Haq 23; Amad Butt 4-101, Musa Khan 3-79, Haris Rauf 2-88) and 84-4, 23 overs (Mohammad Ghazi Ghori 43 not out, Kamran Ghulam 25) PTV 469 all out, 122.3 overs (Mohammad Taha 225, Yasir Khan 73, Muhammad Shahzad 48, Sharoon Siraj 23; Kashif Bhatti 4-104, Sirajuddin 3-92, Naqeebullah 2-70) Match 8 – Oil and Gas Development Company Limited v Kingsmen Academy at Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar OGDCL require another 36 runs to win with nine wickets remaining Target for OGDCL – 121 Kingsmen Academy 215 all out, 57.3 overs (Mohammad Tayyab Arif 105, Mohammad Suleman 33, Salman Ali Agha 25; Mohammad Amir Khan 5-51, Mohammad Hasnain 3-36) and 203 all out, 61.5 overs (Mohammad Tayyab Arif 56, Mohammad Arshad 41, Azan Tariq 30, Mohammad Huraira 26, Mohammad Shayan 22; Danish Aziz 4-7, Mohammad Salman 4-48)OGDCL 298 all out, 89 overs (Danish Aziz 93 not out, Rohail Nazir 81, Mohammad Irfan 21; Mohammad Ilyas 4-57, Mehran Mumtaz 2-27, Salman Ali Agha 2-58) and 85-1, 23 overs (Waqar Ahmed 56 not out, Umar Siddiq 23 not out)

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced that the PFF U-17 Championship 2026 will be held in Islamabad from 23 September to 4 October 2026.The championship will bring together provincial and regional teams from across Pakistan, providing young players with an opportunity to compete at the national level and gain valuable competitive experience.Each participating team will comprise 23 players and five officials.The championship forms part of the PFF’s ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen domestic football, expand opportunities for young players, and build a stronger pathway for youth development across Pakistan.The PFF will bear all expenses related to the participation of the teams, as well as the other costs associated with organising the championship.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on traditional foes, India, on November 17 in the T20 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind, as Bangladesh is ready to host four-nation fixtures this year, 2026. Besides, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan will participate in the regional tournament,The league matches will be played from November 15 to 19 Bashundhara Cricket Stadium in the capital city of Dhaka, as the final will be played on November 20 at the same venueMoin Iqbal, Director International, Bangladesh Blind Cricket Council (BBCC) and Regional Development Director Asia, World Blind Cricket Ltd. l(WBC), said: “We are delighted to announce the Safwan Bashundhara Global T20 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2026 in Bangladesh. The participation of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will make this an exciting International spotting event and an important milestone for the development of Blind Cricket in Asia. We warmly welcome all teams to Bangladesh.” #T20AsiaCup2026 #BlindCricket #CricketForTheBlind #Bangladesh #BBCC #InclusiveSports #SportsForAll #BeyondSightBeyondLimits #BangladeshCricket #TheTigersAreReady

Kuwait (Sports News): The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament Kuwait 2026 officially got underway with a prestigious Trophy Unveiling Ceremony, bringing together dignitaries, participating teams, players, match officials, families and supporters as excitement builds ahead of the tournament.The ceremony was hosted by Harman Sahni, who welcomed the participating teams and distinguished guests, including Mr. Emad Al Jassam, General Secretary, Kuwait Cricket Board, and Mr. Sajid Ashraf, Executive Director & Strategic Partner, DP World ILT20.Following the National Anthem of the State of Kuwait, Mr. Emad Al Jassam and Mr. Sajid Ashraf officially unveiled the tournament trophy, marking an important milestone ahead of the start of the competition.Addressing the players and guests, Emad Al Jassam expressed his appreciation to the Public Authority for Sport in Kuwait and Kuwait Cricket Board President Mr. Haider Farman for their leadership and continued support. He also congratulated the DP World ILT20 leadership team on the League’s continued success and its commitment to creating opportunities for emerging cricket talent.Sajid Ashraf extended his heartfelt appreciation to the visionary Chairman of DP World ILT20, Mr. Khalid Al Zarooni, and the dynamic League Commissioner, Mr. Mubashshir Usmani, along with the entire DP World ILT20 team, for their continued leadership, guidance and support.Emad Al Jassam and Sajid Ashraf also extended their best wishes ahead of the DP World ILT20 Player Auction, scheduled for 1 October 2026 in Dubai, followed by DP World ILT20 Season 5, from 21 November to 20 December 2026.The ceremony highlighted the growing opportunities being created for emerging cricket talent through the Development Tournament and acknowledged the tireless efforts of the entire Kuwait Cricket management team in contributing to the continued growth and global reach of the DP World ILT20 brand.The four team captains — Meet Bhavsar (Failaka Guardians), Mohamed Aslam (Boubyan Warriors), Yasin Patel (Kuwait Falcons) and Ali Zaheer (Pearl Strikers) — joined the dignitaries for the ceremonial cake cutting, followed by an exclusive captains’ photo shoot with the coveted trophy.The ceremony concluded with a series of official photographs featuring the captains, participating teams and Kuwait Cricket Board management.With the trophy unveiled and the teams ready for action, the stage is now set for an exciting chapter of competitive cricket in Kuwait.The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament Kuwait 2026 promises to shine a spotlight on emerging talent, provide players with a platform to showcase their abilities, and further strengthen the pathway between Kuwait cricket and one of the world’s leading T20 leagues.#KuwaitCricket | #AllInForCricket | #WhereTheWorldPlays

Islamabad (Sports Reporter): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced a 23-member Pakistan national team squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Indonesia.The squad brings together players travelling from Pakistan as well as members of the national team based abroad.Head coach Nolberto Solano will lead the Shaheens as they compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, which brings together teams from across the ASEAN region.23-member squad:Yousuf Butt, Hassan Ali, Saqib Hanif, Abdullah Shah, Abdul Rahman, Ali Khan, Ali Agha, Hayyan Khattak, Ali Uzair, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad Arshad, Kaleem Ullah, Shayek Dost, Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Mohib Ullah, Mamoon Khan, Mohd Fazal, Haris Zeb, Umer Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Ali KhanThe FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 will provide Pakistan with an opportunity to compete on a new international platform and further strengthen its preparations against teams from the ASEAN region.

Lahore (Sports Reporter): Eight matches were played on the opening day of the National U19 Cup (One-Day), with Faisalabad, Sialkot Whites, Bahawalpur, Lahore Blues, Multan, FATA, Karachi Blues and Peshawar Blues registering wins in their respective first-round fixtures.At the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad, Faisalabad defeated Abbottabad by six wickets. Abbottabad were bowled out for 125 in 33.1 overs, with Adil Waheed remaining unbeaten on 37. Shahzaib Zafar returned three for 29. Faisalabad achieved the target in 29.1 overs, reaching 129 for four with Hamza Liaqat scoring 29.Sialkot Whites beat AJK by 66 runs at the HPC Faisalabad Cricket Ground. Sialkot Whites posted 241 for nine in their 50 overs, with Mohammad Fahad, Ghulam Haider and Mohammad Abdul Qadeer scoring half-centuries. Zahid Munawar bagged six for 14 as AJK were dismissed for 175 in 49.1 overs.In Group B, Bahawalpur beat Islamabad by four wickets after chasing 167 in 36.3 overs, with Mohammad Rehan scoring 50. Lahore Blues beat Karachi Whites by 24 runs at the Ashfaq Cricket Ground in Charsadda. Hammad Asif’s 73 and Muhammad Hamza Bajwa’s 62 helped Lahore Blues post 293 for eight before Karachi Whites were bowled out for 269.In Group C fixture, Multan registered an eight-wicket win over Larkana after Mohammad Haseeb Zia took six for 23. FATA beat Lahore Whites by five wickets, with Shahid Khan taking five wickets for 23 runs.In Group D, Karachi Blues beat DM Jamali by four wickets, while Peshawar Blues recorded the biggest win of the round, beating Sialkot Blues by 180 runs. Haroon Rasheed scored 76 for Peshawar Blues, while Muhammad Awais took six for 21.The second round of the National U19 Cup will be played on Saturday, 26 September.Scores in brief:Group AFaisalabad beat Abbottabad by six wickets at Saeed Ajmal Academy, FaisalabadAbbottabad 125 all out, 33.1 overs (Adil Waheed 37 not out; Shahzaib Zafar 3-29)Faisalabad 129-4, 29.1 overs (Hamza Liaqat 29; Zeeshan Ahmad 2-41)Sialkot Whites beat AJK by 66 runs at HPC Faisalabad Cricket Ground, FaisalabadSialkot Whites 241-9, 50 overs (Mohammad Fahad 58, Ghulam Haider 50, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer 50; Abu Bakar Minhas 3-39, Mohammad Zeeshan Daud 3-39)AJK 175 all out, 49.1 overs (Uzair Rauf 40; Zahid Munawar 6-14)Group BBahawalpur beat Islamabad by four wickets at Mir Awais Cricket Ground, PeshawarIslamabad 166 all out, 41.2 overs (Mohammad Bilal 33; Tayyab Mukhtiar 4-18, Azad Khan 3-21)Bahawalpur 167-6, 36.3 overs (Muhammad Rehan 50; Adil Khan 2-31, Jawad Ullah 2-33)Lahore Blues beat Karachi Whites by 24 runs at Ashfaq Cricket Ground, CharsaddaLahore Blues 293-8, 50 overs (Hammad Asif 73, Muhammad Hamza Bajwa 62; Akhtar Ali 2-29)Karachi Whites 269 all out, 48.4 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 62, Muhammad Akber 53; Naqeebullah 3-40)Group CMultan beat Larkana by eight wickets at Faraz Cricket Ground, SialkotLarkana 108 all out, 29.1 overs (Moharam Ali 25; Mohammad Haseeb Zia 6-23, Ghulam Abbas 4-20)Multan 109-2, 17 overs (Muzamil Yasin 54)FATA beat Lahore Whites by five wickets at SOS Cricket Ground, SialkotLahore Whites 131 all out, 37.2 overs (Phool Ali 38; Shahid Khan 5-23)FATA 134-5, 25.1 overs (Muhammad Abbas Afridi 42; Taj Muhammad 3-29)Group DKarachi Blues beat DM Jamali by four wickets at Azhar Ali Academy Ground, LahoreDM Jamali 84 all out, 27.2 overs (Ahmed Ali 23; Asad Umar 5-15)Karachi Blues 88-6, 18.4 overs (Huzaifa Ahsan 23; Farhanullah 3-30)Peshawar Blues beat Sialkot Blues by 180 runs at Railways Cricket Ground, LahorePeshawar 266-8, 50 overs (Haroon Rasheed 76; Ahmed Bashir 3-34)Sialkot Blues 86 all out, 25.2 overs (Farman Ali 35; Mohammad Awais 6-21)

RIYADH (Sports News): Following a historic promotion to the top tier of Saudi football, Diriyah Club have announced their arrival in the Roshn Saudi League (RSL) with a strong statement of intent, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.To equip themselves for the demands of the RSL, the Diriyah-based outfit strengthened their squad impressively and appointed an elite manager in Bruno Lage, a Primeira Liga title winner in Portugal with Benfica who has also coached Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.Headline additions to the team include Uruguay international, and former Liverpool striker, Darwin Nunez on loan from Al Hilal, French midfielder Enzo Millot on loan from AFC Champions League Elite holders Al Ahli, and ex-Everton and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye following his summer exploits with Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The early signs have been encouraging: Diriyah Club have won three and drawn two of their opening seven RSL matches to head into the international break eighth in the table.A key part of their promising start to the season has been the quality and experience of midfielder Gueye, with Senegal’s record appearance-maker determined to bring his leadership and mentality to his new club.Gueye, 36, told the Saudi Pro League: “Throughout my career, I've had to face tough competition, good times as well as bad times. With my experience, I can help the team achieve its goals. But leadership isn't just about saying the right words, it's a behaviour you must show both on and off the pitch. With the help of my teammates, we will do good things and try to take the club as far as possible.”Gueye arrived in the RSL following a trophy-laden career at club and international level. A three-time Ligue 1 winner with Lille and PSG, he was integral to Senegal’s run the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2022, Gueye was awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion, Senegal’s highest recognition.Yet, after 15 years competing at the elite level of European football, Gueye welcomed the opportunity of a fresh challenge in Saudi football.He said: “I felt it was the right time for me because the club has a great project. It's a historic club that has a very close relationship with the history of the Kingdom and its identity. So, it was the right time for me to come here, with the Roshn Saudi League having welcomed many great players, great coaches, and many big personalities.”Leading Gueye and his Diriyah Club teammates is a manager who also knows what it takes to succeed. Installed in July, Lage is now tasked with delivering on the club’s ambitions - and it’s a responsibility the Portuguese is fully embracing.Lage told the Saudi Pro League: “It was a great honour to accept His Highness Prince Khalid bin Mohammed’s offer to join this project and build the foundations of the club.“When I heard about this project, I was sure it was the right step for my career. With my experience, and with the experience of the squad from what they have achieved in the past two years, we are here to improve every area and, ultimately, be the best club we can be.“We know we have a deep history and identity behind us, but at the same time, we have a great vision and ambition in front of us. We are working very hard to build a team that inside the pitch represents the real values of Diriyah.”The cultural and historical significance of the club is certainly recognised by those on the pitch. A hero in last season’s promotion charge, Saudi midfielder Hussain Al Qahtani believes representing Diriyah provides unique motivation as his team adapts to the demands of the RSL.Al Qahtani said: “It is an immense feeling of pride to represent Diriyah Club. Diriyah is the birthplace and origin of Saudi Arabia - a place of deep significance for every Saudi citizen. Because of that heritage, there is a massive responsibility on everyone who represents this club and this ecosystem, and we are determined to rise to that challenge.“Our goals have always been big. We achieved our first objective by earning promotion to the Roshn Saudi League. Now, our focus is on taking things step by step, building on our momentum, and securing strong results in the top flight this season.“As players, we have to stay resilient. Success doesn't come without setbacks, injuries, or difficult moments. The key is never to give up, focus on the fundamentals, and set a high standard that inspires the younger generation coming through behind us.”