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After several years of decline, Safa SC is entering the new season with a clear ambition: to reclaim the championship title. With a reinforced squad and meticulous preparation, the historic club positions itself as a serious contender in the title race.
Nicknamed the “Dean” of Lebanese clubs, Safa SC begins this season with a clear mission: to end a long drought and once again lift the championship trophy. After a last season marked by significant improvement, the Beirut club appears ready to close the chapter on its difficult years for good.
Coach Bilal Fleifel didn’t hide his ambitions when speaking to the press: “This year, our preparation has been excellent in all aspects: technical, physical, and tactical. We focused on team cohesion and strengthened each line of the squad.”
The names of the new signings speak for themselves. Mustafa Matar and Ali Hallal will safeguard the goal, while Khalil Khamis and Hussein Zein will bring their experience to the defense. Added to this are foreign talents like Palestinian Islam Al-Batran and Tunisian Hossam al-Lwati, both expected to boost the attack. Fleifel has also promoted young prospects, including the prodigious goalkeeper Christian Aoukar and the promising Karim Jaafar, both born in 2007. The message is clear: Safa enters the title fight well-armed.
The Transfer Strategy: Betting on Experience
Regarding foreign players, Fleifel explains that the club focused on experience and quick adaptability: “We selected players who can easily fit into our system. They must fill the gaps and strengthen our weak spots.” For him, the value of a foreign player lies in their ability to adapt to local conditions while adding something extra.
While acknowledging the potential contributions of foreign coaches, Fleifel emphasized the importance of local coaches in the Lebanese context: “Local coaches understand the mentality of the players better and are often more suited to our realities. Unfortunately, some administrations do not place enough trust in them.”
He advocates for greater cohesion between coaches, clubs, and supporters, stressing that the success of local coaches could strengthen the national football scene.
A Traditional Title Battle
According to Fleifel, the championship will likely be dominated by the usual top contenders: Nejmeh, Ansar, Al-Ahed, and of course, Safa. These historic clubs, supported by passionate fan bases, have the experience of big occasions. “The fight will be tough, but Safa is ready to take on a leading role,” affirms the coach.
A Call for a Return to Natural Grass
Beyond title ambitions, Fleifel also voiced concerns about infrastructure. He criticized the widespread use of synthetic fields, which he believes pose a health risk to players: “Natural grass fields reduce the risk of injuries. It’s crucial that sports authorities invest in quality facilities.”
Finally, the coach addressed the six-team system, a formula that he believes will test the perseverance of clubs. “It will be a challenge for everyone, but a necessary one,” he concluded, ready to face any obstacles to lead Safa back to the summit of Lebanese football.
