Kazma seeks revenge as Kuwait Club eyes fourth consecutive win in rivalry
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The semifinals of the Basketball Federation Cup will tip off today at the Federation Hall within the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Halls Complex, promising two intense showdowns. At 5:00 pm, Kuwait Club will face Kazma, followed by defending champion Al-Qadsia against Al-Sulaibikhat at 7:00 pm.
The opening match is expected to be the most competitive of the evening, as Kuwait Club and Kazma reignite a rivalry that has seen them clash in the decisive league finals three times — all victories for Kuwait Club. Those past wins were attributed to Kuwait Club's cohesive performances on both ends of the court.
However, today's contest poses a new challenge for team captain Hussein Al-Khabbaz and key players, including Hamad and Mohammed Adnan, Imran Johar, Turki Hamoud, Alexander Al-Ghais, Fahad Al-Dhafiri, Abdulrahman Al-Juma, Yousef Al-Hamdan, and Musaed Al-Otaibi. They will also rely heavily on the contributions of their professional trio: Jakar Sampson, Robert Lowry, and Jamal Jones.
Kazma, last season's Cup runner-up, enters the semifinals determined to clinch a title, especially as the Federation Cup marks the final championship opportunity this season. Much depends on the fitness of captain Ahmed Al-Balushi, who missed crucial games during the league title race. The team's prospects will also hinge on the performance of Abdulrahman Al-Sahou, Youssef Burhama, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Hamad Al-Ali, in addition to the sharpshooting abilities of American Johnny Brahamskel and the inside presence of fellow professionals Joan Johnson and Dwayne Jackson.
In the second semifinal, national coach Fahad Barjas will look to orchestrate a surprise upset as Al-Sulaibikhat takes on powerhouse Al-Qadsia. The defending champion enters the match with strong momentum, boasting high technical and physical readiness and superior individual talents across their roster.
On the administrative side, the General Assembly of the Kuwait Basketball Association convened at the Association's headquarters in the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Halls Complex. During the meeting, members approved both the financial and administrative reports for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The Assembly also gave the green light to the Association's 2025–2026 work plan and proposed budget. Twelve of the thirteen affiliated clubs were present, with only Yarmouk Club absent.
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