Ashour extends stay at Salmiya to 2028

Salmiya head coach Ali Ashour

KUWAIT CITY, June 1: Salmiya has secured the future of head coach Ali Ashour after announcing a contract extension that will keep the Bahraini tactician at the club until 2028.

Ashour took charge of the team in January, succeeding Kuwaiti coach Mohammed Dhahiles, and has since overseen a noticeable improvement in performances and results.

The club said the decision to renew the 41-year-old's contract reflects its confidence in his technical vision and leadership, as well as its desire to maintain stability as Salmiya pursues further success in the coming seasons.

The signing ceremony was attended by club chairman Sheikh Turki Al-Yousef, first-team manager Ali Nader, and former Salmiya stars Ali Marwi and Jassim Al-Huwaidi.

Salmiya wished Ashour and his coaching staff continued success as they look to build on the progress achieved with the "Sky Blues."

Ashour previously coached Kuwait Club during the 2022-23 campaign before leaving by mutual consent prior to the end of the season.

Salmiya currently occupies fourth place in the Zain Premier League standings with 29 points, level with third-placed Arabi on points and two behind second-placed Qadsia.

As part of preparations for next season, Ashour has reportedly recommended retaining Brazilian midfielder Alex Lima and renewing the contracts of Syrian forward Mahmoud Al-Aswad and Bahraini player Sayed Diaa.

The coach is also said to have advised against extending the stay of Syrian defender Amro Midani, while discussions are expected regarding the future of Tunisian midfielder Imad Louati, whose long-term injury has limited his involvement and could require an extended recovery period.

Meanwhile, Mubarak Al-Fanaini is set to return to Salmiya after completing a three-season spell with Qadsia, while striker Muhannad Al-Mahamid appears headed for a new challenge after attracting interest from a leading domestic club.

The situation of defender Bader Jamal remains unresolved amid reports linking him with a potential move to Qadsia ahead of the new season.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff