KUWAIT CITY, June 9: The Board of Directors of Al-Qadisiya has chosen Europe as the destination for the first team camp in preparation for the next season, based on the preferences of the technical staff led by coach Mohamed Al-Mashaan.

Coach Al-Mashaan aims to prepare the team optimally to compete for local titles, beginning with defending the Amir’s Cup championship, which they won last season with a single goal against Al-Salmiya. He also aspires to reclaim the Zain Premier League title, which has eluded them for nearly nine seasons, and to compete for the Crown Prince Cup.

Al-Qadisiyah plans to start training in early July before heading to the external camp, given the new season's early start on August 9, which is sooner than in previous years.

In parallel, Al-Mashaan is reviewing numerous profiles of foreign professionals to strengthen the squad with outstanding players who can help secure titles. Contractors have been presenting various CVs, while the technical staff seeks players with the capability to significantly enhance the team.

Al-Qadisiya has renewed the contracts of Nigerian Emmanuel Guibola and Libyan Mohammed Sula. Meanwhile, Argentine Sergio Vitor has moved to the Kuwait Club. High financial demands prevented the renewal of the contract with Ibrahima Tandia, as Al-Qadisiya rejected his request for a higher salary. Additionally, the contract of Omani Abdullah Fawaz was not renewed due to his lack of convincing performance since joining last January.

The club is close to finalizing deals for the Salmiya duo, Moaz Al-Dhafiri, and Athbi Shehab, having agreed on all contract terms. Zaid Zakaria has also entered negotiations with Al-Qadisiya, at the request of coach Al-Mashaan. Al-Mashaan has nominated several local players for the upcoming season, ensuring the team’s roster doesn't become overcrowded, particularly with veteran players.

There are strong indications that several players will be excluded from Al-Qadisiyah's plans before the new season starts, especially with the roster size reduced to 25 players. Notable players likely to be released include Nayef Zuwaid, Abdulaziz Nassari, Dhari Saeed, Sultan Salbukh, Talal Al-Ansari, and Abdullah Al-Shamali. Additionally, some players will be loaned out for a season, including Ahmed Shabib, Meshal Khaled, Khaled Sabah, and Muhammad Khalil.

Abdullah Mawi and Abdul Rahman Al-Daihani were the first to leave immediately after the previous season ended.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff