Jamal Sellami Joins Al-Fateh: Moroccan Coach Faces Immediate Saudi Pro League Test
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The Arab Post
- . October 9, 2026
- . Update: October 9, 2026 9:02 pm
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Moroccan football coach Jamal Sellami will become the new head of Al-Fateh FC, the Saudi Arabian club revealed. Jamal Sellami Joins Al-Fateh, The appointment comes after Al-Fateh has suffered some poor form in the Saudi Pro League season. The next match for Sellami is a league game against Al-Ahli on Friday, October 9.
Al-Fateh Officially Announces Jamal Sellami’s Appointment
Al-Fateh announced on 8 October that Jamal Sellami will be coaching the club’s first-team football operations.
The Saudi club stated in its announcement that the move is part of its efforts to bolster the coaching staff, as well as prepare for upcoming events and boost performance. He seized the chance and assured that he will be involved with the club to bring positive changes.
It was also confirmed in the club’s official notification on X, with additional details provided by SNRT News, Morocco’s national public broadcaster.
Why Did Al-Fateh Change Coaches?
Khalid Al-Atwi, who stepped down after a mutual agreement to allow him to end his contract, has been replaced by Sellami.
Al-Atwi left office after just three months in the job, reports Anadolu Agency.
Al-Fateh were 4-3-3 with only three points from their first seven league matches. The team was sitting 15th in the standings, and was under pressure to improve its performances.
The coaching switch is thus an effort to turn the club’s bad start around and make it more competitive.
Sellami’s First Challenge Is Against Al-Ahli
The Saudi Pro League will give Sellami a first chance to get his new job started.
Al-Fateh will take on Al-Ahli in Round 8 of the league table on Friday, October 9. It’s an early test for the new coach as he assumes responsibility for a team that has yet to win a league game this season.
The Saudi Pro League fixture list is set to face off at Al-Ahsa’s home ground in Al-Fateh.
The timing is not ideal for Sellami as he has limited time to get comfortable before facing one of the club’s near-term competitive needs. But the announcement from the available information doesn’t indicate if he’ll make any major changes in tactics for the game.
What Jamal Sellami Brings to Al-Fateh
Sellami brings a wealth of experience in Moroccan and international club football. His most recent success has come in helping Jordan qualify for the FIFA World Cup – which for the first time in the team’s history.
The team won their first game of the tournament 3-0 over Oman in June 2025, securing a historic place for Jordan at 2026. The victory was a major achievement for the team led by Sellami.
FIFA’s report on Jordan’s historic qualification highlights the triumph that got Sellami onto the international coaching stage.
It is a different challenge that he faces at Al-Fateh: make that experience pay off on the pitch, and deal with the immediate pressure of a struggling side.
What Happens Next? – Jamal Sellami Joins Al-Fateh
The club has announced Sellami’s signing, but has not announced the amount or length of the deal.
Al-Fateh’s poor run of form in the first seven league games will be closely monitored as he fights to come back from his opening seven defeats. His first time against Al-Ahli will be his first test in the Saudi game.
Al-Fateh’s signing of Jamal Sellami represents a new phase in the Moroccan coach’s journey. It will be up to the next set of results and performances to see if his appointment will alter the club’s league fortunes.
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