Latest news with #ZainPremierLeague
Arab Times
13 hours 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kazma welcomes 25 players in the opening session
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: Kazma SC has officially kicked off its preseason training in preparation for the upcoming football season. The first session took place on the club's secondary field under the guidance of Croatian head coach Dragan Tadić. The club has scheduled its external training camp in Turkey to begin on August 14, during which the team will play several friendly matches to prepare for the start of the Zain Premier League. A total of 25 players participated in the initial session, including Jordanian professionals Anas Al-Awadat and Yousef Abu Al-Jazar, as well as new local signings Sultan Al-Enezi and Khalifa Rahil. Jordanian midfielder Ali Al-Azaizeh is expected to join the squad in training today, while Beninese professional Samson Enekol will link up with the team during the Turkey camp. The club is also close to finalizing deals with additional foreign players and is currently negotiating with an African player to join for the new season. Kazma has further reinforced its squad with key additions, most notably Olympic team player Bandar Al-Barazi, who joined from Al-Nasr Club. The team also secured contract renewals with defender Bader Dhikrallah and striker Mishaal Al-Shammari for an additional season. Before traveling to Turkey, Kazma is expected to play several local friendly matches as part of its preseason buildup. In organizational news, the club confirmed the structure of its football, technical, and administrative staff for the first team. Club treasurer Omar Al-Mulla will continue as head of the football staff, with Khaled Al-Dhiyab serving as assistant to the club president. Mohammed Al-Harees has been appointed team manager, while Nawaf Al-Humaidan will serve as team administrator.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Awadat and Abu Jazar arrive; Tadić leads Kazma training
KUWAIT CITY, July 19: Salmiya is nearing the signing of Jordanian player Hussam Abu Dahab to reinforce its squad ahead of the new Zain Premier League season, which kicks off on September 12. Born in 2000, Abu Dahab previously played for Jordan's Al-Faisaly and has represented his national team in numerous matches. Salmiya's coach, Nasser Al-Shatti, aims to finalize several signings to strengthen the team, which has already renewed contracts with Tunisian Imed Louati, Brazilian Alex Lima, and Libyan Sanousi Al-Hadi. Kazma began its pre-season training yesterday under the guidance of Croatian head coach Dragan Tadić at their secondary training ground. The team plans to hold an overseas training camp in August, featuring several friendly matches to prepare for the upcoming season. Tadić arrived alongside his technical team, including assistant coach Zeljko Klaigić and fitness coach Milan Stafl. The squad also welcomed two new Jordanian signings, Anas Al-Awadat and Youssef Abu Jazar. Kazma further strengthened its roster by signing midfielder Sultan Al-Enezi, who has previous experience with Qadsia and Al-Arabi and spent last season at Omani club Dhofar. Additionally, Olympic team player Bandar Al-Barazi joined from Al-Nasr. Defender Bader Dhikra and striker Mishaal Al-Shammari renewed their contracts for another season. The club also signed Jordanian professional Ali Al-Azaiza and extended the contract of Nigerian player Samson Enikola. Media reports indicate that Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein has received two offers from local clubs following his recent contract termination with Qatari side Al-Wakrah. Despite showing strong performances with his previous clubs and the Iraqi national team last year, Hussein's form has declined this year, impacting his market value. Moroccan forward Hamza Khaba is demanding the remaining unpaid wages from his former club Al-Arabi after his contract ended in June. Khaba stated he has yet to receive his full payments, while an Al-Arabi source claimed the player is only owed one month's salary. Regarding an offer from Qadsia, Khaba passed his medical exam, but the transfer stalled due to financial disagreements.
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Maaloul: 10 years without a league title is unacceptable for Qadsia
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Al-Qadsia began its preseason training at Farouq Ibrahim Stadium, led by Tunisian head coach Nabil Maaloul, as the team prepares for the upcoming Zain Premier League season starting on September 12. The first session saw 31 players in attendance, with training set to continue until the team departs for an overseas camp in early August, which will include several friendly matches. Before training commenced, Maaloul held a meeting with the players, urging them to give their utmost effort this season and emphasizing the importance of full commitment to achieve the club's goals. Speaking to the press after the session, Maaloul said, 'A club with Qadsia's history and prestige should never go ten years without winning the league title.' He vowed to intensify preparations to ensure the team is fully ready for all competitions. He added, 'Qadsia will compete in four domestic tournaments plus the Gulf Champions League, and we intend to fight for every trophy.' Maaloul noted that while Kuwaiti players are talented, they often lack motivation, pointing to the difference in the team's performances domestically versus in regional competitions. The coach stressed, 'Kuwaiti players have great potential but need to improve their work ethic, discipline, and focus.' He called for a change in mentality on the field and comprehensive readiness for every match, whether local or international. Media coordinator Abdullah Al-Ansari confirmed that new signings will be announced soon to strengthen the squad, alongside recent contract renewals. He said the coaching staff is keen to bring in quality players who will add strength and discipline to the team. Al-Ansari described a positive atmosphere within the team, stating, 'The players showed great enthusiasm in the locker room.' He also dismissed rumors about goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf retiring, explaining that although he had been absent for two seasons, he had now officially returned. 'All goalkeepers have full support from the technical staff,' he added. Captain Bader Al-Mutawa missed the session but is expected to join training on Sunday. Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma is set to return on Saturday. The session included Libyan Mohamed Soula, Moroccan Ismail Khafi, goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf, and several players from the under-20 youth squad. Assistant coach Saleh Al-Sheikh recently earned his PRO coaching license. He has served with Qadsia's first team for several seasons and will continue as part of Maaloul's staff this season.
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Jahra signs Albanian defender Hysen Memolla
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Al-Jahra officially signed Albanian international defender Hysen Memolla as part of the club's preparations for the upcoming 2024–2025 season, set to kick off on September 12 with the Zain Premier League. The club returns to the top division after a successful campaign in the First Division last season, where they clinched the title and earned promotion back to the Premier League. Memolla, 32, is a left-footed center-back and most recently played for Kosovo's FC Suhareka, helping the team capture the domestic league title. In addition to his Albanian nationality, Memolla also holds Italian citizenship. Throughout his career, he has played for several European clubs, including Hajduk Split (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia), Egnatia (Albania), and Salernitana (Italy). He has also made six appearances for the Albanian national team. Memolla becomes the third foreign player on Al-Jahra's roster this season, joining Tunisian midfielder Amro Zakri—who recently renewed his contract—and Angolan forward Antonio Silva, signed last month. Al-Jahra is set to begin preseason training next week, followed by an overseas training camp that will include a series of friendly matches to prepare for the league campaign.
