Latest news with #FirstDivisionLeague
Arab Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Handball Premier League to start September 2
KUWAIT CITY, July 8: The Kuwait Handball Association (KHA) has officially released the schedule for the 2025–2026 handball season, set to begin in early September with competitions across multiple age categories and divisions. The Men's Premier League will commence on September 2 with the participation of eight clubs. Teams will be distributed into the match schedule via a lottery draw. The league format includes a new regulation that allows each team to register three professional players per match, although only two may be on the court at any time, with the third listed on the bench. The team finishing in 8th place will be automatically relegated to the First Division. The 7th-place team will compete in a playoff match against the second-place team from the First Division to decide promotion or relegation. The First Division League, which includes participation from youth teams, will begin on September 4. The league will follow a round-robin format, with each team facing its opponents four times during the season. The full schedule for the youth and junior categories includes: Junior League: Begins September 19 Youth League: Begins September 20 Junior (B) League: Begins November 4 Youth League: Begins November 5 These age-group leagues are part of the Federation's ongoing development strategy to nurture local talent and expand the competition base across all levels.
Arab Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Dashti set to join Al-Qadsiya handball team for the new season
KUWAIT CITY, July 6: Al-Qadsiya handball team is close to completing the signing of Al-Salmiya Club star Haidar Dashti for the upcoming 2025–2026 season, as well as acquiring Hamoud Al-Adwani from Burgan Club. The team kicked off its preparations for the new season early, having already brought in Ahmed Abdulhadi and goalkeeper Mishaal Al-Shatti to strengthen the first-team squad. The club is also actively pursuing three foreign professionals—two of whom will play on the court and one to be positioned as a substitute—under the league's foreign player participation rule for the upcoming season. In addition to foreign reinforcements, the club is relying on a core group of experienced national players, especially after its strong performance last season. The 'Banu Qadis' won the First Division League title, securing promotion to the Premier League, and also made a deep run to the Federation Cup final, narrowly losing to Kuwait Club by a single goal. Its cup journey included notable victories over Al-Fahaheel, Burgan (league runner-up), and Kazma. Given the success of last season, the club is expected to renew the contract of Tunisian coach Amen El Gafsi, who impressed with his tactical leadership and team management throughout the campaign.
Saudi Gazette
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Christophe Galtier named NEOM SC head coach ahead of historic Saudi Pro League debut
Saudi Gazette report NEOM — NEOM Sports Club have appointed French coach Christophe Galtier as their new manager ahead of the club's first-ever campaign in the Roshn Saudi League, marking a major step forward for the ambitious team from Saudi Arabia's northwest region. The announcement was made Saturday, with Galtier replacing Brazilian manager Pericles Chamusca, who led NEOM SC to promotion by winning the 2024-25 First Division League title. Galtier, 57, brings with him a distinguished résumé that includes title-winning stints in France's Ligue 1 and most recently a two-year spell in Qatar with Al Duhail. In a message posted on the club's official social media channels, Galtier said: 'I am really excited to be part of this big Saudi project. Happy to join one of the best leagues in the world. I cannot wait to write the story of NEOM Football Club.' Best known for guiding Lille to a sensational Ligue 1 title in the 2020-21 season — ahead of giants PSG — Galtier was also named Ligue 1 Manager of the Year on three occasions. His managerial journey began with an eight-year tenure at Saint-Étienne, where he transformed the club into consistent European contenders and won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2013. Following his time at Lille, he briefly managed OGC Nice before taking the helm at Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, where he led the capital club to a league title. He moved to Al Duhail in October 2023, coaching the Qatari side for two seasons. NEOM SC's bold move to bring in Galtier reflects the club's growing ambition as they prepare for their debut in the Saudi Pro League. The team has already made headlines this summer with several high-profile signings, including French striker Alexandre Lacazette, Ivorian midfielder Amadou Kone, and Saudi defender Faris Abdi. Backed by Saudi Arabia's giga-project NEOM, the club aims to become a competitive force both domestically and in the long term on the continental stage.
Arab Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Qadsia targets three foreign signings for the handball season
KUWAIT CITY, July 5: In a proactive move to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming 2025–2026 handball season, expected to start in mid or late September, Qadsia Club has initiated early signings to strengthen its squad. The team has officially signed Ahmed Abdulhadi and goalkeeper Mishaal Al-Shatti, reinforcing key positions ahead of their Premier League campaign. Under the leadership of coach Baqer Khuraibat, the team is actively reviewing profiles of international professionals, aiming to sign three foreign players for the new season—two for the court and one as a substitute. This strategy comes in light of the team's impressive performance last season, which saw them win the First Division League title and secure promotion to the Premier League. Qadsia also reached the Federation Cup final, narrowly losing to Kuwait SC by one goal after defeating strong contenders like Al-Fahaheel, Burgan, and Kazma in the preliminary stages. The club is also expected to renew the contract of Tunisian head coach Amen Al-Qafsi, whose leadership was instrumental in the team's success last season. Meanwhile, Montenegrin professional Vladan, previously with Abnaa Hawally, has completed his contract and will join Kuwait SC next season.
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Nasr welcomes Al-Enezi duo
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: The Al-Nasr Club's Board of Directors has signed Mishari Al-Enezi and Abdulaziz Al-Enezi to reinforce the first volleyball team for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Meanwhile, the volleyball team, led by director Mohammed Al-Mutairi, recently welcomed Sultan Ahmed and Nasser Shuwaiker to represent the "Sons of Al-Julaib" in forthcoming competitions. The team is coached by Montenegrin Darko, assisted by Khaled Al-Saifan, and is currently seeking two additional professional players to complete the roster. Last season marked Al-Nasr's debut in the league under Tunisian coach Niaz Salam, with the team achieving an impressive second-place finish in the First Division League. This success is credited to the club's management, technical and administrative staff, and dedicated players. Al-Nasr Volleyball Manager Mohammed Al-Daihani expressed deep gratitude to the club's management, especially board member Khaled Al-Ardi, for their strong support and efforts in overcoming challenges facing the team. He emphasized that the new season promises even stronger performances as Al-Nasr aims to compete for the First Division League title. Preparations will intensify starting mid-July with player gatherings, followed by a two-week training camp in Cairo scheduled for early August.
