Al-Arabi and Al-Sulaibikhat begin preparations for the new season

A file photo of players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9: Al-Arabi’s senior handball team begins its preparations for the 2026-27 season today, with the opening phase of the training program focused on improving physical fitness and building the players’ strength.

The team will train at the club’s outdoor court and use the gym for strength and conditioning sessions, with the main indoor hall currently occupied. The program has been drawn up by national head coach Hussein Habib.

Al-Arabi has made several additions to its squad ahead of the new season, signing South Korean player Jinho Kim, Burgan’s Hamad Dayed Al-Adwani and Kuwait Club’s Mohammed Amer as the club looks to build a stronger squad capable of competing for honors.

Habib said the initial stage of the preparations would concentrate on physical conditioning, with the coaching staff aiming to improve fitness levels and strengthen the players before gradually introducing ball work and technical and tactical drills.

He stressed the importance of commitment and hard work throughout the preparation period, saying the objective is to ensure the team reaches the required level of readiness when competitive action begins.

Al-Sulaibikhat will also launch its preseason preparations today after making significant changes to its squad and coaching staff.

The club has appointed national coach Hussein Habib and recruited Serbian Jovan Milosevic, Brazilian Leandro da Silva and Frenchman Nicolas Clair as its foreign professionals.

The “North Reds” have also strengthened their local contingent with goalkeeper Hussein Karam, Nasser Al-Faraj, Fahad Abdulhadi and Mahmoud Ali, while Kazma’s Abdulaziz Al-Najjar has joined on a one-season loan.

First-team manager Hussein Sawan said Al-Sulaibikhat is targeting a strong campaign and hopes the “North Reds” can mount a serious challenge for domestic titles. He expressed confidence in the coaching and administrative staff and the players to produce a competitive and respectable season.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff