Highly-regarded Portsmouth title-winning coach flourishing after handed key coaching role with country
The former Bradford, QPR and Fulham centre-half spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Blues
A Pompey title-winning coach’s flourishing reputation continues after landing a new job as a country’s national youth coach.
Zesh Rehman quit Fratton Park in December 2025 to move to Saudi Arabia for a coaching opportunity, leaving a hole in John Mousinho’s backroom which has still to be filled.
Now the former Fulham and Bradford City man has been unveiled as an elite individual development coach for the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF).
The 42-year-old’s remit involves overseeing the country’s youth national teams, as well as assisting with their under-16s side.
It maintains his impressive progress as a coach, having previously spent three seasons as player/head coach of Hong Kong-based Southern, then a successful three-and-a-half years at Fratton Park when they won League One.
Indeed, the Blues are yet to replace him as first-team development coach, although are in the stages of an appointment, nine months after his departure.
In the meantime, Rehman has moved onto his second job since quitting the Championship for Saudi Arabia at the turn of the year.
Prized Saudi Arabia opportunity
Announcing his appointment on Linkedin, Rehman said: ‘I am pleased to share I have joined Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) as Elite Individual Development Coach for the Youth National Teams as well as assisting the U16s.
‘I appreciate trust placed in me to implement Individual Development plans that inspire players to maximise their potential regardless of age or stage.
‘Looking forward to working closely with the staff to connect with players and clubs to align on driving positive impact for the Kingdom’s next generation.’
Pompey Academy role
The former Fulham centre-half initially joined Pompey’s Academy in the summer of 2022 as lead professional development phase coach, replacing Liam Daish.
However, when Danny and Nicky Cowley were dismissed in January 2023, Rehman stepped up to help caretaker boss Simon Bassey with the first-team, before remaining under new head coach John Mousinho.
Subsequently appointed permanently to the role of first-team development coach in March 2023, his vacant Academy position was given to Sam Hudson.
Rehman, who totalled 20 seasons in the professional game and played in four countries, was part of Mousinho’s backroom which helped the Blues claim the League One title in 2023-24.
Joe Morrell rejection
After leaving Fratton Park for Saudi Arabia in December 2025, Mousinho offered the job of first-team development coach to the newly-retired Joe Morrell.
However, having helped coach Pompey’s under-14s in the 2024-25 season in his battle to recover from a knee injury, the former Wales international rejected the chance in favour of working in Academy football
Meanwhile, Pompey are believed to be close to naming Rehman’s replacement, having put the appointment on hold towards the end of last season to focus on remaining in the Championship.