In this file photo, Al-Otaibi celebrates alongside Al-Arabi teammates

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 7: Volleyball veteran Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi has returned to his boyhood club, Al-Arabi, signing a two-year deal on a free transfer after spending the past five seasons with Kuwait Club. Al-Arabi also boosted its squad by adding spiker Ahmad Al-Mulla, who arrived on a free move as well.

Al-Otaibi, who began his career with Tadamon’s juniors before joining Al-Arabi in 2003, represented the club until 2020. He then spent five seasons with Kuwait Club before making his return this summer. Over the years, he also gained international experience with Kazma, Al-Ain of the UAE, and Bahrain’s Al-Ahli. Known for his versatility across multiple positions, Al-Otaibi brings valuable tactical options and leadership as Al-Arabi gears up for the new season.

Al-Mulla, meanwhile, spent the last two years with Shabab, having also worn Al-Arabi’s colors earlier in his career. Playing as an outside hitter (position 4), he is regarded as one of Kuwait’s top local spikers.

Al-Arabi has been active in the transfer market, signing former player Mubarak Al-Aidan, along with Youssef Mandil, Abdulrahman Al-Mulla, Fahad Al-Kout, and Mishaal Al-Khawalid. The club also renewed contracts with Abdulrazzaq Al-Lughani, Hussein Ashkanani, Abdulwahab Taleb, Talal Abdulrazzaq, and Nawaf Mubarak.

Expressing gratitude, Al-Otaibi thanked Kuwait Club President Khaled Al-Ghanim, team manager Nizar Al-Nisf, as well as the administrators, coaches, and fans who supported him during his time with Kuwait Club. He said he looks forward to contributing to Al-Arabi’s ambitions in the new campaign.

Elsewhere, Kazma continued strengthening its roster by signing Brazilian professional Ademar, the second foreign player alongside his compatriot Costa. The squad, coached by Brazilian Kakareto with local assistant Saad Yaqoub, has also added Fahad Al-Saad.

Meanwhile, Shabab’s volleyball team has departed for a training camp in Cairo under Tunisian coach Farid Ben Ayashi. The squad includes foreign reinforcements: Mali’s Moussa Kone and Brazil’s Marcos Costa. Volleyball director Ahmed Al-Failakawi praised the club’s board for organizing the camp, which features several friendly matches ahead of the new season beginning on September 26.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff