Nasser Al-Shatti

KUWAIT CITY, July 12: Al-Salmiya Club officially announced the signing of coach Nasser Al-Shatti and his brother, Maitham Al-Shatti, to lead the first football team in preparation for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The agreement was finalized the day before yesterday following months of negotiations that began earlier this year.

Al-Shatti had previously led Al-Arabi to an impressive season, finishing as runner-up in the Zain Premier League and the Crown Prince Cup, and reaching the final of the Amir’s Cup, which was postponed last June due to regional circumstances. The team also reached the AFC Challenge Cup semifinals. Despite Al-Arabi’s desire to renew his contract for a third season, both sides were unable to reach a final agreement.

As a result, Al-Salmiya parted ways with Croatian coach Ante Miša, who had been under contract through the end of next season. The club expressed its gratitude to Miša and wished him success in future endeavors.

With the appointment of the Al-Shatti brothers, Al-Salmiya aims to return to title contention and secure local championships after a prolonged absence from the podium.

In addition to the coaching change, Al-Salmiya has reinforced its squad by signing Abdullah Al-Shamali, who recently ended his stint with Al-Qadsiya. Al-Shamali began his career at Al-Arabi and spent the last two seasons at Al-Qadsiya.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi has announced the appointment of Jordanian coach Ahmed Hayel as assistant coach, joining the technical staff led by Portuguese head coach Marco Cesar Pereira Alves, whose hiring was confirmed last week. Hayel will work alongside Portuguese coach Alonso, who was recently added to the staff, marking his first coaching role outside Jordan. A former Al-Arabi player, Hayel’s career was cut short by a head injury nearly a decade ago.

He brings a strong coaching résumé, having guided the Jordan U-23 Olympic team to the 2021 West Asian Championship title and qualification for the AFC Asian Cup finals. He also served as assistant coach for Jordan’s senior national team and led Al-Faisaly and Al-Hussein Irbid, winning the Jordanian Professional League title last season.

Al-Arabi’s technical staff also includes:

Tunisian Khalil Jebabli as fitness coach (continuing in his role)

Portuguese Blessing Lumiono and Ahmed Hayel as assistant coaches

Brazilian Artur Guedes as goalkeeper coach

Algerian Mahfouz Jenad as a technical analyst

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff