One of the first Saudi coaches to train female basketball players in the nation is Mohanned Shobain. Having received accreditation from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Shobain is pursuing a coaching degree in Saudi Arabia, bringing with him his passion for women’s sports.

Amateur male and female basketball players can now register at the Jeddah Swish Basketball Academy, thanks to Shobain, who launched the program back in 2017. With so many opportunities for these sportswomen to develop as professional athletes, this initiative is proving to be a true opportunity for sports fans as well.

“A great potential to be exploited.”

Shobain hopes to be the catalyst for his players’ growth because he believes they have a lot of potential. He is dedicated to developing his players’ skills, providing them with beneficial experience, and helping them improve their game. The first women’s 3v3 team from the Jeddah Swish Basketball Academy traveled to Bucharest in 2019 to play in a World Cup qualifying tournament.

”It’s just amazing to see what these young women are capable of, because they don’t have any role models here—they don’t know anyone to discuss women’s sports with,” shared Shobain.

The first-ever women’s basketball tournament in Saudi Arabia is currently taking place, thanks to the support of the Saudi Basketball Federation and the Jeddah Swish Basketball Academy. After the competition, the players will travel to Europe to attend a significant training camp.

Portrait of a Saudi Basketball Player

Since she was 17 years old, Dareen Sabban, now 28, has played basketball. She played on the team that traveled to Romania, and now her goal is to play basketball professionally. Her goals include competing at the highest level in sports, winning basketball tournaments and awards for her nation, and serving as an inspiration to athletes of the next generation.