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Arab Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait U-16 basketball team begins indoor camp ahead of Gulf Championship
KUWAIT CITY, June 9: Kuwait's under-16 basketball team is set to begin an indoor training camp tomorrow as part of its preparations for the upcoming Gulf Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the Asian Cup Finals scheduled to take place in Bahrain from July 7 to 12. The camp will feature 14 promising players, with the coaching staff, led by national team coach Talal Al-Qallaf, expected to select 12 of them to participate in the external camp in Cairo from June 21 to July 5. Ghazi Al-Otaibi, Treasurer of the Kuwait Basketball Association and Head of the National Team Delegation, explained that the team's preparation program has been in place for some time, beginning with a training camp in Istanbul last January. He emphasized the need for specialized physical conditioning due to the players' recent absence from training while they focused on school exams. Al-Otaibi added that during the Cairo camp, the Blues will play six friendly matches, including one against the Egyptian youth team. He stressed that the national team is determined to compete for top positions in the Gulf Championship, especially given Kuwait's consistent podium finishes in recent years at regional tournaments.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Josue confident Harimau Malaya can deliver against Vietnam
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya forward Paolo Josue believes there are plenty of positives to take from Thursday's 1-1 draw with Cape Verde at the KLFA Stadium. World No. 72 Cape Verde struck early in the ninth minute through Sidney Cabral, but Josue came off the bench to equalise just a minute after coming on in the 79th minute. Malaysia will face Cape Verde again in a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3, part of their build-up to the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the same venue. The 36-year-old KL City star has now scored 10 goals in 26 international appearances for Malaysia. "After tonight, we showed where we are right now," said Josue. "Everything is going smoothly as we prepare to get the points against Vietnam and keep pushing for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. "It's always special to score for the national team. The coach spoke to me during the week, and with my first touch I got a chance and scored. It was unbelievable — a great night." Josue noted that the national team had only trained for 10 days before the match. "But thank God, everything went well. I think they also felt the heat here in Malaysia," he said with a smile. The veteran praised the team's performance and was especially impressed with debutants Gabriel Palmero and Ubaidullah Shamsul. "I think the team did very well. We managed to contain an aggressive side and limit their control in midfield. "Our five-man defence with four in the middle gave them problems in the first half," he said. "In the second half, the coach made some changes and we created a few chances. I got mine and made it count. Overall, it was a great match for us to see where we stand."
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski: Cape Verde friendlies key to Harimau Malaya's rise
KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Peter Cklamovski insists the upcoming friendlies against Cape Verde are far more than just warm-up matches — they're a vital part of Harimau Malaya 's preparations for next month's Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam. Malaysia will face Cape Verde for the first time on May 29 at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras. The African side, ranked 72nd in the world, is one of the strongest opponents world No. 131 Malaysia have faced under the Australian tactician. "This is a unique period for us as a national team," said Cklamovski. "The majority of our players are coming off the off-season, and most haven't played a competitive match in four to five weeks. "I see this preparation window and our camp as absolutely crucial as we build towards the all-important match against Vietnam on June 10." The clash with Cape Verde is the first of two friendlies, with the second being a closed-door non-A match scheduled for June 3. The first fixture falls outside the official FIFA window (June 1-10). The Vietnam match could be decisive for Harimau Malaya's hopes of reaching the 2027 Asian Cup Finals in Saudi Arabia. Cklamovski believes facing Cape Verde will provide a valuable benchmark for his squad. "We chose Cape Verde because they offer a high-level challenge. They're one of the top-performing African nations right now, with a squad packed with players based in Europe. "They have real quality and will give us a great chance to measure ourselves." Cape Verde's top stars include Villarreal defender Logan Costa, MLS regular Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew and Akron Tolyatti striker Gilson Tavares. Captain Ryan Mendes, who plays for Turkish side Kocaelispor, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and rising talent Dailon Livramento of Hellas Verona complete a formidable lineup. Cklamovski is adamant that only by taking on such opposition can Malaysia raise their standards. "As a national team, we must challenge ourselves. If we want to grow into the team we aspire to be, we need to leave our comfort zone, face top-class teams, and learn from the experience," he said. The FA of Malaysia (FAM), in announcing the friendlies, said the matches are part of a strategy to give the national side "competitive minutes and strategic exposure" ahead of the Vietnam clash. Harimau Malaya began their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal in March, while Vietnam laid down an early marker with a thumping 5-0 victory over Laos. For Cklamovski, the Cape Verde fixtures are far more than a tune-up. "They're not just friendly matches. They are an essential part of our development and long-term journey," he said.
