Salmiya technical staff led by Nasser Al-Shatti.

ISTANBUL, Aug 18: Kuwait’s clubs are stepping up preparations for the new season with training camps abroad, highlighted by Qadisiya’s ongoing schedule in Turkey, Salmiya’s strong start in Cyprus, and Arabi’s recent arrival in Dubai.

Qadisya will face Saudi side Al-Wehda this evening in its fourth friendly match of the camp. The team previously drew 2-2 with Al-Faisaly, lost narrowly 1-0 to Al-Okhdood, and bounced back with a 2-0 win over Fujairah of the UAE. The team will next meet Bahrain’s Sitra on Saturday, a side it is also set to face in the group stage of the Gulf Champions League beginning September 30, before closing out the camp against Al-Orouba of Saudi Arabia on August 28.

The camp was hit by sad news as Algerian defender Sofiane Bouchar departed to return home following the death of his mother.

Meanwhile, Salmiya got off to a winning start in Turkey, defeating Cyprus’ Magusa Turk Gucu 4-1 in its opening friendly. Goals came from Brazilian Alex Lima, Libyan forward Sanousi Al-Hadi, and Fawaz Ayed, who scored twice.

Head coach Nasser Al-Shatti praised his players for their discipline and commitment in training, stressing that their focus has allowed the preparation program to run smoothly. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s display in the first friendly, noting that the players executed the tactics well and benefited from the test. Salmiya is set to play two more friendlies against Turkey’s Serik Spor (August 21) and Antalyaspor (August 27).

In Dubai, Al-Arabi launched its training camp yesterday as it prepares for the new season. The team will remain in the UAE until August 29 and is scheduled to play two friendlies before returning to Kuwait in early September. Al-Arabi will open its Zain Premier League campaign against Al-Shabab on September 12.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff