Hussein Al-Khabaz: Building a Volleyball Dynasty at Al-Shabab Club Through Dedication and Family
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A Bahraini coach’s unwavering commitment to youth advancement and a strong family ethos are driving success at Al-Shabab Club, fostering a new generation of volleyball talent.
Captain Hussein Al-Khabaz,coach of the volleyball age groups at Al-Shabab Club,has cultivated a legacy of dedication and continuous enhancement,shaping a new wave of players who proudly represent the club. In a recent interview with Gulf News, al-Khabaz shared insights into his coaching journey, his vision for the game, and the crucial role of teamwork and family in achieving success.
From Player to Mentor: A Coaching Journey Begins
Al-Khabaz’s transition into coaching was a natural progression, beginning in his later playing years. “I started training in my late playing years, when I started working with the age groups in the club, helping the coaches and participating in supervising the young players, and that experience was the real launch for me in the field of training,” he explained.His passion for developing players ultimately outweighed his desire to continue as a professional athlete.
However, coaching in Bahrain presents unique challenges. As Al-Khabaz noted, the role demands a broad skillset, extending beyond technical expertise to encompass multiple responsibilities. He credits several figures with profoundly influencing his career, especially Captain Amer Khalil (Iraqi), whose impact resonated throughout an entire generation of Al-Shabab players. He also expressed gratitude to Captain Muhammad Hassan Boris, Captain Ali jaafar, Captain Mustafa deif (Egyptian), and Captain Hassan Burshid, acknowledging their vital contributions to his development as a coach.
Al-Khabaz has experience coaching both youth teams and the first team, recognizing the distinct demands of each. “Leading the first team is very diffrent from coaching age groups, whether in terms of goals, requirements, or even the technical and mental abilities of the players,” he stated. While youth coaching prioritizes learning and development, the focus shifts to competition and achieving victories at the senior level.
He highlighted the importance of adapting coaching strategies to suit the players’ age and experience. “With the age groups, the focus is on building a strong foundation, instilling discipline, and fostering a love for the game. With the first team, it’s about refining skills, tactical awareness, and maximizing performance under pressure.”
The Power of Belonging: A Family Spirit
A deep connection to Al-Shabab Club is a defining characteristic of the organization. “For us, the club is our home, we live in it and belong to it with everything we have,” Al-Khabaz shared.This “family spirit” fosters a positive atmosphere where support and collective success are paramount.
He emphasized that teamwork is a source of strength, not a challenge, adding value and effectiveness to their efforts. The close collaboration between himself and his brother, Captain Mahmoud Al-Khabaz, who works with the first team, is a testament to this principle. “He is my companion at all stages.We each complement each other, and we are always supportive of each other,” Al-Khabaz said.He praised his brother’s contributions to building the team from the youth levels to the first team, recognizing the current success as a direct result of their combined efforts.
Looking Ahead: Ambition and Continued Development
Al-Khabaz is currently focused on working with both the age groups and as an assistant with the first team, while also pursuing further education through the National Coaches Academy program. He remains open to exploring coaching opportunities outside of Al-Shabab Club in the future, shoudl an appropriate offer arise, viewing it as a chance for continued professional development.
His message to the club’s fans and aspiring young players is one of encouragement and dedication. “I hope the club’s fans will come and support the team, as their support constitutes a great motivation for the players to provide the best, and I say to our players: Every effort you make today will yield success tomorrow, so continue with your giving and dedication, and, God willing, the coming will be even better.”
Between the realism of ambition and the sincerity of belonging, Captain Hussein Al-Khabaz continues his journey in the spirit of giving and insistence on building new generations who understand the value of the slogan they wear. The story of volleyball in the Al-Shabab Club is a journey of loyalty and hope, whose theme is loyalty and the family spirit that brings together everyone who belongs to this ancient entity.
