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Long and disrupted season affected the players: Al-Zaabi

Long and disrupted season affected the players: Al-Zaabi

Arab Times29-06-2025
KUWAIT CITY, June 29: Kuwaiti national team manager Abdulaziz Al-Zaabi described the past handball season as one of the longest in the sport's history in Kuwait, citing frequent league suspensions due to international commitments and other factors. These interruptions, he explained, negatively impacted the players' physical fitness, competitive edge, and mental focus.
Al-Zaabi noted that the technical level of the league stagnated, as many top players were regularly engaged in international tournaments, disrupting team consistency and competitive intensity. He further pointed out that the league's overall structure contributed to this issue, with the season effectively concluding at the midpoint of the Premier League schedule, leaving two full rounds unplayed. This led to predictable match outcomes and reduced excitement.
However, he confirmed that the Handball Federation is aware of these challenges and is working on restructuring the league for the upcoming season to enhance competitiveness and player development.
Al-Zaabi also emphasized a positive trend among clubs: a growing focus on developing local talent by giving young Kuwaiti players more playing time in league matches. This approach not only strengthens team depth but also broadens the selection pool for the national team, particularly with the Asian Championship set to be hosted in Kuwait. Integrating young players with seasoned veterans remains a key goal as preparations intensify.
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