Al-Arabi welcomes new arrivals as Sablitch begins pre-season work in Turkey

Croatian coach Goran Sablitch takes charge of his first training session with Al-Arabi.

KUWAIT CITY, July 21: Croatian coach Goran Sablitch took charge of his first training session with Al-Arabi after joining the team at its pre-season camp in Turkey.

Sablitch expressed his pride at leading one of Kuwait’s biggest clubs, saying he was excited about the opportunity to coach Al-Arabi and work with a team with a rich history.

The Croatian coach said he will focus on making the most of the training camp and implementing the preparation plan, adding that the squad is progressing well so far.

He stressed that his goal is to build a strong team capable of achieving the club’s ambitions in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi’s new foreign signings, Nigerian Anayo Iwuala, Senegalese Jouhar Khadem Rasoul, Palestinian Zaid Qanbar, and Bader Tariq, joined the squad in Turkey and took part in training.

Ethiopian Keenan Maleko is set to arrive once his Turkish visa procedures are completed, while Yousef Majed and Yousef Sabah are awaiting their passports before joining the camp. Talal Al-Matrood will link up with the team after finishing his academic exams.

Defender Hussein Ashkanani continues his rehabilitation programme in Turkey after a medical appointment was arranged to help prepare him for his return to action.

Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Ajaj welcomed his move to Al-Arabi, thanking the club’s board for their confidence and expressing his determination to help the team achieve its targets.

New goalkeeper Ahmed Adi also thanked the club for signing him, while Ali Dukhi said he is eager to justify the faith shown in him by the management and supporters.

Al-Arabi has added several local players to their squad and currently has six foreign players on their books, with one expected to leave on loan before the new season begins.

The club’s foreign players are Jouhar Khadem Rasoul, Leonardo Sheldon, Lucas Chalon, Anayo Iwuala, Keenan Maleko, and Zaid Qanbar.

By Hassan Mosa