Latest news with #AsianClubChampionship
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kazma and Burgan begin overseas camps
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 16: Kazma and Burgan handball teams have launched their overseas training camps in preparation for the new season. Kazma will compete in the Arab Club Championship, hosted by Kuwait Club from September 12–22 alongside Al-Sulaibikhat, while Burgan is set to participate in the Asian Club Championship, with dates to be announced, in addition to domestic competitions. Kazma's camp in Izmit, Turkey, runs until August 28. The delegation is led by team director Salem Abdul Salam and includes Serbian coach Bozo, technical analyst Waleed Al-Anzi, fitness coach Abdullah Maseer, goalkeeper coach Omar Al-Malih, physiotherapist Nader Qasim, and a full squad of 19 players. Burgan's camp is taking place in Bosnia until August 26. Both teams are focusing on physical conditioning, tactical drills, and friendly matches. Meanwhile, Kuwait's junior handball team finished 26th at the 11th Junior World Championship in Cairo. In its final match, the 'Blue' lost 26–29 to South Korea in the 25th–26th place playoff. A total of 32 national teams participated in the tournament.
Arab Times
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait's homegrown coaches lead handball clubs to new heights
KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The 2024–2025 handball season marked a notable rise in the presence and performance of Kuwaiti national coaches across local and international competitions. Their growing impact reflects not only a positive shift in coaching development but also the success of homegrown talent in achieving competitive and honorable results. Among the standout figures this season is Hussein Habib, head coach of Burgan's first-handball team. Taking over from Algerian coach Said Hijazi at the beginning of the season, Habib made an immediate impact, strengthening team cohesion and dramatically improving performance. Under his leadership, Burgan achieved a historic runner-up finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the upcoming Asian Club Championship for the first time in the club's history. Habib's close relationship with the players and the full backing of the club's management were key factors in this breakthrough. Habib's coaching journey includes a successful stint with Al-Arabi in 2014, where he led the team to promotion to the Premier League. He later served as assistant coach at Al-Qadsiya in 2019, before coaching Sulaibikhat in 2022. In 2023, he returned to Al-Qadsiya as head coach, leading them in the AFC Club Championship, and then joined Burgan in 2024. He recently renewed his contract with Burgan for another season. Reflecting on the season, Habib said: 'Our target was to reach the podium and qualify for the Asian Club Championship. With the support of the management and dedication from the players and staff, we achieved that goal.' He credited the signings of Yasuhira and Stipe Mandalinich for playing a crucial role in securing second place five rounds before the end of the league. Habib outlined several objectives, including maximizing the participation of local players in league matches, developing talent for the national team, and competing in the Asian Cup. He highlighted the season's major positives, such as: A historic runner-up finish Won every team except Kuwait Club A fast-paced attacking style A season completed without major injuries Among the challenges, he noted: A lack of depth at the right-back position A mental dip after securing second place Physical fatigue and underperformance in the Federation Cup are due to the absence of strong alternatives. Another national coach who found success this season is Yaqoub Al-Moussawi, head coach of Al-Salmiya's handball team. Under his leadership, the Sky Blues achieved: Runner-up at the 39th Arab Club Championship Third place in the Super Cup Third place in the 2023–2024 Federation Cup Third place in the 2024–2025 Cup Secured Premier League status for next season Al-Moussawi began his coaching career as an assistant with Al-Salmiya in 2019–2020, before taking over as head coach in the 2022–2023 season, where he immediately led the team to a runner-up finish in the Cup. He also voiced concern about the decision to allow three professional players per team, criticizing the rule as unbalanced given the lack of financial rewards in the league and the limited resources of clubs to attract multiple foreign players. Also earning praise is Waleed Salmeen, who led Sulaibikhat to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, ensuring their participation in the top tier next season. His steady guidance helped the team retain its league status despite stiff competition. The upcoming season will feature eight teams, including league champions Al-Qadsiya and newly promoted sides from the First Division, promising an even more competitive landscape for Kuwait handball.
Arab Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Burgan renews Khan's contract ahead of the Asian Club Championship
KUWAIT CITY, July 10: Burgan Club has announced the renewal of international goalkeeper Mehdi Khan's contract for a second season, following his impressive performance last season. Khan played a key role in helping the team secure second place in the league—the highest finish in the club's history—earning Burgan a spot in the upcoming Asian Club Championship. The club has also extended the contracts of key players, including Hamoud Qaid Al-Adwani, as well as international professionals Yasuhira from Japan and Stipe from Croatia. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing with team coach Hussein Habib to finalize the terms of a new contract. As part of its preparations for the upcoming season, Burgan is planning a European training camp to boost readiness and team cohesion. In related news, Kazma Handball Club has renewed the contract of performance analyst Walid Al-Saleem, a member of the club's technical staff. This follows earlier renewals with Serbian head coach Bozo and professional players Anwar Ben Abdullah (Tunisia) and Mohamed Farad.
Arab Times
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club clinches 58th Premier Handball League title, Burgan secures historic second
KUWAIT CITY, May 29: The Kuwait Club handball team secured the title of the 58th Premier Handball League after a commanding 39-28 victory over Sulaibikhat in the first round of the league's third and final stage. This triumph marked the club's 15th overall league title and 13th consecutive championship, sealing the title with four rounds remaining and bringing their total to 48 points. Meanwhile, Burgan made history by finishing second in the league for the first time, following a 32-28 win over Al-Salmiya. With 39 points, Burgan stands eight points clear of third-place Kazma. Even if Kazma wins its remaining four matches and Burgan loses all of theirs, both would be tied on points, but Burgan would maintain the edge based on head-to-head performance. The battle for third place continues, with Kazma (31 points) and Al-Salmiya (23 points) contending for the podium. Reacting to the historic achievement, Burgan Sports Club Chairman Anwar Al-Otaibi praised the club's progress, saying: 'This milestone didn't happen overnight. It is the result of the tremendous support from the club's board of directors, combined with the efforts of our technical, administrative, and medical staff, as well as the commitment of our players.' Al-Otaibi also confirmed that Burgan will participate in the Asian Club Championship this November, marking the team's first continental appearance. He expressed optimism, noting that the team will compete with four Asian professionals and is aiming for a strong showing.
Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club closes in on league title
KUWAIT CITY, May 24: Kuwait Club is eyeing a critical victory today in its quest to secure the Premier Handball League title as it faces Burgan SC at 6:00 pm in the fifth and final round of the Second Division of the league at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex and follows an earlier clash between Al-Arabi and Sulaibikhat at 4:30 pm, with Kazma and Salmiya squaring off at 7:00 pm. Currently, Kuwait Club leads the standings with 44 points, followed by Burgan with 37 points. Kazma holds third place with 28, while Salmiya (23), Sulaibikhat (20), and Al-Arabi (18) trail behind. With only Kuwait Club and Burgan left in the title race, today's showdown is pivotal. Kuwait Club, which has dominated the league for the past 12 consecutive seasons, is just two wins away from clinching another championship. A victory today would leave them needing only one win in the upcoming third-division stage, which begins next Wednesday—a task well within reach considering the team's strong form and depth. On the other side, Burgan is aiming to halt Kuwait Club's momentum and keep its slim title hopes alive. A loss would end its championship dreams, but a second-place finish remains within reach. Securing runner-up status would grant Burgan a historic qualification to the Asian Club Championship for the first time—an achievement that would reflect the dedicated efforts of the club's management, technical team, and players. Meanwhile, Kazma and Salmiya are battling for third place, as Al-Arabi is out of contention and Sulaibikhat's hopes of staying in the third division are fading.
