Kuwait Club eyes Federation Cup redemption as Qadsia savours league triumph

Qadsia's captain hoists the championship trophy during the awarding ceremony.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 14: Kuwait Club launches its bid to salvage the season when it takes on Al-Shabab on Sunday in the quarterfinals of the 2025-2026 Federation Cup volleyball competition, which resumes from last season.

The match is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kuwait Volleyball Association Hall in Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex. Earlier, Al-Nasr faces Sulaibikhat at 5:00 pm in the other quarterfinal fixture.

The Whites will be eager to bounce back from their painful defeat in the Premier League final last Thursday, when they lost 3-1 to Qadsia, and turn their attention to the Federation Cup in pursuit of a consolation trophy.

Al-Arabi was the last side to reach the quarterfinals after overcoming Al-Sahel 3-2 in Saturday's preliminary-round encounter. Sulaibikhat, Al-Nasr, Kuwait Club, Al-Shabab, Qadsia, Kazma and Yarmouk had already secured their places in the last eight. Al-Arabi had also beaten Al-Sahel 3-2 in their opening cup fixture.

Kuwait Club is determined to put its league disappointment behind it, restore its confidence, and overcome Al-Shabab to reach the semifinals. With the Federation Cup representing its final chance to lift silverware this season, the Whites will be under pressure to deliver a strong response.

Al-Shabab, meanwhile, will look to exploit its opponent’s shaken confidence and inconsistent form to secure a place in the top four. It is also keen to make up for missing out on the First Division League title, having finished runners-up to champion Yarmouk.

Meanwhile, Qadsia celebrated its 24th Premier Volleyball League title after defeating Kuwait Club 3-1 in the final of the competition carried over from the 2025-2026 season.

Kazma claimed third place with a 3-1 victory over Sulaibikhat in the playoff for third and fourth positions.

Under Argentine coach Humberto Alejandro, Qadsia underlined their credentials by overcoming Kuwait Club, coached by his compatriot Ruben Adrian, to secure a record 24th league crown.

The Whites, in contrast, struggled to reproduce their usual form and committed several costly errors that ultimately contributed to their defeat.

Qadsia's Beninese professional Daoud Yakubu expressed his delight at winning his first title with the club, dedicating the triumph to the team's supporters for their outstanding backing during the final. He also pledged that the players would work to maintain their strong performances in upcoming competitions.

Qadsia players also swept several individual honours. Rashid Anbar was named Best All-Round Player, Abdulnasser Al-Enezi claimed Best Setter, American professional Cole won Best Outside Hitter (Position 4), while Yakubu received the Best Player of the Final award.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff