Players fighting for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, June 19: The first round of the quarterfinals in the 57th Kuwait Handball Association Cup will take place tomorrow at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. Reigning champion Kuwait Club, which has held the title for 11 consecutive years, will face Al-Qurain at 5:00 pm. The second match of the day sees Yarmouk square off against Salmiya at 6:30 pm.

Al-Qurain secured its spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Al-Sahel 36-31 in the preliminary round. Yarmouk advanced in a hard-fought match, narrowly edging past Al-Tadamon 27-26. Al-Samiya also qualified by beating Al-Nasr with a score of 36-31.

In transfer news, Al-Qadsiya is on the verge of signing Tunisian international and Shabab Al-Ahli (UAE) standout Rayan Zariat. He is expected to replace Montenegrin player Vladan, who is reportedly close to joining Kuwait Club.

Kuwait Club is expected to rely on their foreign trio: Frankis Marzo, Vladan, and a yet-to-be-confirmed European midfielder.

In a separate development, Al-Nasr handball players Jaber Al-Azmi and Sayer Al-Enezi have announced their retirement from the sport following their team's Cup Championship exit. Al-Azmi is expected to take on the role of assistant goalkeeper coach, while Al-Enezi may pursue a coaching position within the club.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff