Players showed support for teammate Hussein Ashkanani, recovering from a recent cruciate ligament injury.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 13: The Zain Premier League kicked off with strong performances from Al-Arabi and Fahaheel, while the first round concludes today with Salmiya taking on Kazma at Thamer Stadium at 6:20 p.m.

Salmiya, under coach Nasser Al-Shatti, aims for a positive start. However, the team may be without new foreign signings Hossam Abu Thahab (Jordan) and Mahmoud Al-Aswad (Syria) due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban over unpaid dues to former players. Tunisian Imad Louati and Brazilian Alex Lima remain eligible to play.

Kazma, coached by Croatian Dragan Tadic, also looks for a strong opening. The team has reinforced its squad with Sultan Al-Enezi, and foreign players Idris Shaabi (Algeria), Ali Azaizeh, Youssef Abu Jazar, Anas Al-Awadat (Jordan), and Samson Akinyoola (Benin).

Newly promoted sides Jahra and Shabab suffered defeats on their Premier League debut. Fahaheel overturned a deficit to beat hosts Jahra 3-1 at Mubarak Al-Ayyar Stadium, while Al-Arabi, last season’s runner-up, defeated Shabab 2-0 at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium. Following Al-Arabi’s first goal, players paid tribute to teammate Hussein Ashkanani, who is recovering from a recent cruciate ligament injury.

Fahaheel’s Syrian coach, Firas Al-Khatib, acknowledged that starting the league is always challenging, particularly with new players joining the competition. He emphasized that “the victory is not the real measure, as Jahra are facing exceptional circumstances.”

Jahra captain Abdullah Massameh admitted his team fell short but praised its effort, while voicing frustration over the club’s struggles for the third consecutive season, saying: “The Public Authority for Sport has halted support and salaries. Jahra represents one of Kuwait’s largest governorates and deserves attention. Long-standing issues must be resolved for players to perform at their best.”

Jahra, led by Croatian coach Rodion Gasanin “Radan,” played without new foreign signings Antonio Silva (Angola), Filip Dangovic (Croatia), Oliver Stojmenovski (Macedonia), and Mimola Hysen (Italy). Tunisian Omar Ben Zakri, in his second season with the club, featured in the second half.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff