Latest news with #KuwaitClub
Arab Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Shabib Al-Khaldi cleared to rejoin training after doping ban reduced
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: The Kuwait Anti-Doping Agency has reduced the suspension of Kazma and Kuwait national team player Shabib Al-Khaldi, allowing him to resume training with his club starting August 25. Initially banned for two years starting February 26, 2024, the sanction was imposed after Al-Khaldi refused to undergo a doping test during the Super Cup final between Kazma and Kuwait Club in January. The Arab Club delegation departed today for the UAE to begin their second phase of preseason training, which runs until August 8. The camp includes two friendly matches against Hatta and Baniyas before the team travels to the Maldives for a crucial AFC Challenge League playoff against Maziya Sports Club on August 12. The team is led by Portuguese coach Marco Alves and recently completed its first training phase last week, with most players in attendance. Arabi has bolstered its squad with two new foreign signings—French-Guinean midfielder Hassimi Fadiga and Ugandan striker Kenneth Semakula—joining existing Nigerian imports Ayano Iwuala and Christopher John. The club is also negotiating to sign a fifth foreign player. Local additions include Hamed Al-Harbi and Aziz Nassari. Assistant coaches Ahmad Hael and Kenneth Semakula are expected to join the camp today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, sources suggest that former Kuwait Club midfielder Talal Al-Fadhel is close to joining Arabi after his release from the club. According to Iraqi media reports, Qadsiya's Rashid Al-Dossari and Arabi's Bandar Al-Salama have drawn interest from multiple Iraqi clubs for potential transfers in the upcoming season. Preseason training kicks off tomorrow for Salmiya, Fahaheel, and Nasr as they prepare for the new 2024-2025 Zain Premier League season, which begins on September 12. Other teams, including Arabi, Qadisiya, Kuwait Club, Kazma, and Yarmouk, have already started training earlier this month.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Club launches preseason training ahead of historic treble defense
KUWAIT CITY, July 23: Kuwait Club kicks off its training sessions this evening as it gears up to defend its remarkable treble from last season. The new campaign will officially start on September 12 with the opening of the Zain Premier League, under the guidance of Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic. Last season, Kuwait Club dominated domestic soccer by winning the Zain Premier League, Crown Prince Cup, and Super Cup titles. The team also reached the Amir Cup final, initially scheduled for June 16 but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The squad will continue training until mid-August, when it is scheduled to depart for an overseas training camp. Following last season, the club prioritized squad stability by renewing contracts with key foreign players: Mohammed Marhoon (Bahrain), Arsen 'Malik' Zola (Congo), and Yassine Khenissi (Tunisia). Contract extensions were also signed by local stars including Faisal Zayed, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Mohammed Farih, Redha Hani, Saud Al-Hoshan, and Mohsen Faleh (who has since been loaned to Al-Nasr). Additionally, the club secured the signing of veteran goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi, who brings extensive experience from his previous stints with Qadsia, Arabi, Salmiya, and the Kuwait national team. Kuwait Club is also close to signing Sam Morsy, the English-Egyptian captain of Ipswich Town, who is expected to replace Ameen Abu Al-Fath after agreeing on most contract terms. Arabi will conclude the first phase of its preparation program this evening under the leadership of Portuguese coach Marco Alves. The team will begin its second phase tomorrow, heading to an overseas training camp in the UAE, which will last until August 8. During this period, Arabi will participate in three friendly matches before traveling to the Maldives to face Maziya Sports Club on August 12 in a decisive AFC Challenge League playoff match. The winner will advance to the group stage of the competition. Kazma has completed its foreign player roster by signing 27-year-old Algerian defender Idris Chaabi, joining fellow foreign recruits Jordanian players Ali Azaizeh and Yousef Abu Al-Jazar. The club also renewed contracts with striker Samson Akinyoola (Benin) and winger Anas Al-Awadat (Jordan). Yarmouk signed goalkeeper Mohammed Ajaj from Al-Nasr to bolster its squad for the upcoming Zain First Division League, which will commence on September 14. Ajaj becomes the third local player to join Yarmouk, alongside Mohammed Abdulhadi and Othman Al-Dossari, all of whom were recommended by head coach Dhaher Al-Adwani. The club also finalized its foreign contingent, signing Syrian defender Abdullah Al-Shami, Tunisian striker Hazem Haj Hassan, Malian midfielder Moriba Diallo, Ghanaian winger Rubin Akwa, and Congolese midfielder Lusuku.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Qadsiya eyes Iraqi star Ahmed as Kuwaiti Clubs ramp up transfers
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Al-Qadsiya is actively pursuing Iraqi star Haroun Ahmed as part of its plans to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season. According to Iraqi media reports, the club has entered serious negotiations with the 29-year-old Dohuk SC standout to bring him into the Kuwaiti Premier League. Haroun, who excels in both midfield and attacking roles, delivered a standout campaign in the recent Gulf Champions League. He was named the tournament's Best Player after guiding Dohuk to its first-ever title. He also helped his team win the Iraq Cup for the first time in club history. Al- Al-Qadsiya's Tunisian head coach, Nabil Maaloul, is seeking to finalize key signings before the team departs for its training camp in Turkey in mid-August, as preparations intensify for the Zain Premier League season, which begins on September 12. The club currently features Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma and Libyan Mohamed Soula. The future of fellow Moroccan Ismail Khafi remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire next June. Kuwait Club has parted ways with Moroccan defender Amin Abu Al-Fath, who recently completed a move to Wydad Casablanca. The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, which helped secure multiple titles during his time with the team. Abu Al-Fath becomes the second departure this off-season following the exit of his compatriot Yahya Jabrane. In turn, Kuwait Club has bolstered its ranks with the signing of English midfielder of Egyptian origin Sam Morsy. The club also renewed contracts for key foreign players: Bahrain's Mohammed Marhoon, Congo's Arsène 'Malik' Zola, and Tunisia's Yassine Khenissi. Syrian defender Abdullah Al-Shami is back in Kuwaiti football, having agreed to join Yarmouk SC for the new season. Al-Shami previously played for Al-Nasr and Al-Fahaheel and brings with him experience from regional stints with Al-Salt (Jordan), Al-Ahly and Al-Masry SC (Egypt), and Al-Tali'aa (Syria). He joins a growing list of foreign professionals at Yarmouk under national coach Zaher Al-Adwani, including Tunisian Hazem Haj Hassan, Malian Moriba Dialle, Ghanaian Robin Akwa, Congolese Lusoko, and former Al-Salmiya player Othman Al-Dosari. Al-Nasr Club has announced its preseason preparations will begin this Friday under the guidance of Tunisian head coach Jamil Belkacem. The team will train locally until early August before departing for a training camp in Turkey, where they are scheduled to play four friendly matches. Meanwhile, the club is reviewing profiles of several foreign players as it looks to finalize the signing of a fifth professional, focusing on strengthening the attacking line. Al-Nasr has already renewed contracts with four key players: Tunisians Hossam El-Habasi and Hekal El-Sheikhawi, Libyan Moatasem El-Lafi, and Serbian forward Nemanja Kujic.
Arab Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Qadsiya begins new era with Maaloul at the helm
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Al-Qadsiya will kick off its preseason training this evening under the leadership of Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul, as the team begins preparations for the 2025–2026 Zain Premier League season, set to begin on September 12. Maaloul and his technical staff arrived in Kuwait to officially assume their duties. Upon arrival, the experienced coach expressed his excitement about taking charge. 'I'm happy to be in Kuwait,' Maaloul said. 'I hope this will be a special season for Al-Qadsiya Club, and that we can bring joy to the fans. Our preparations officially begin today.' One of Maaloul's immediate tasks is finalizing the roster of foreign players. This follows the termination of contracts for Moroccan Ismail Khafi, Nigerian Daniel Jibola, and Algerian Hussein Dhiri. Decisions are still pending regarding the futures of Libyan Mohamed Soula and Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma. Recent media reports have linked Al-Qadsiya with several potential signings, including Tunisian striker Haithem Jouini and Algerian duo Ayoub Abdellaoui and Ghilas Kenaoui. Al-Qadsiya has agreed to release player Aziz Nasari, who has opted to continue his career with Al-Tadamon. Nasari had spent last season on loan at the club. Kuwait Club has announced that its first training session for the upcoming season will be held on July 24. The team will aim to defend its domestic treble, having won the Zain Premier League, the Crown Prince Cup, and the Super Cup last season. Kuwait Club also reached the Amir Cup final, which was originally scheduled for June 16 but postponed due to regional circumstances. Fahaheel has continued to reinforce its squad with the addition of Algerian striker Zakaria Benchaâ from CS Constantine. Benchaâ becomes the team's fourth foreign player, joining the previously signed Brazilian trio Brendon Lucas, Vitor da Silva, and Carlos. Algerian forward Ihab Boulahssini has decided to postpone choosing his next club after receiving offers from both Al-Arabi and the National Bank of Egypt. The delay comes amid additional interest from three Algerian clubs, making his final decision uncertain for now.
Arab Times
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Khalidi stays with Kazma as the club prepares for the handball season
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Kazma Club has renewed the contract of standout handball goalkeeper Turki Al-Khalidi for another season, the club announced. Al-Khalidi, regarded as one of the top goalkeepers on the local scene, delivered an impressive performance last season with the team,' playing a key role in several critical matches. His consistent form prompted club management to secure his services for another year. As part of its strategy to ensure team stability and build on recent success, Kazma had earlier extended the contract of Serbian head coach Bozo Rodic, who will now continue into his third consecutive season with the team. Under Rodic's leadership, Kazma claimed the Super Cup title and finished third in the Premier League, capping off a strong campaign. In line with this continuity, the club has also renewed the contracts of Tunisian imports Anwar Ben Abdullah and Mohamed Farad for a third straight season, rewarding their standout performances over the past two years. Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 season, Kazma is planning an external training camp in Turkey from August 14 to 28. The camp will serve as preparation for the 40th Arab Handball Championship, which will be hosted by Kuwait Club from September 12 to 22. The tournament will feature local clubs Kazma, Sulaibikhat, and the host side, Kuwait SC ('the Whites'). During the camp, Kazma is scheduled to play several friendly matches to sharpen the squad's performance ahead of their Arab Championship campaign.
