LONDON: Al-Ettifaq defender Jack Hendry, no stranger to city rivalries, is set to experience his first Dammam derby against high-flying Al-Qadsiah on Saturday.
Al-Ettifaq, traditionally the top club in Dammam, has been overshadowed this season by newly promoted Al-Qadsiah, which sits third in the Saudi Pro League and has reached the King’s Cup final.
“Hats off to Qadsiah, they’ve had a very good season,” Hendry told Arab News. “But we are motivated to reclaim our position as the No. 1 team in the city.”
Hendry, who previously played for Celtic and Club Brugge, joined Al-Ettifaq in 2023, attracted by the vision of former manager Steven Gerrard. “I had opportunities elsewhere, but Steven sold the project to me,” he said.
Despite Gerrard’s departure in January, Hendry praised new coach Saad Al-Shehri, whose leadership has helped the team secure key victories, including a 3-2 win against Al-Nassr in February.
Hendry endured a tough start to the season due to injury but has now regained his place in the starting lineup.
“I played last season with injuries, including a broken nose and fractured cheek. It was difficult to miss games, but I worked hard to return quickly,” he said.
Al-Ettifaq will be without star striker Moussa Dembele, sidelined with an Achilles injury. “Moussa is a huge loss, but we must respond positively,” Hendry added.
Al-Qadsiah boasts the league’s best defense, conceding just 21 goals in 25 matches. Hendry, however, is eager for the challenge.
“The passion in Scotland and Belgium was incredible, but Saudi football is growing fast. Our fans want a win, and we’ll fight to make them proud,” he said.
[Reported by Arab News]
