A file photo of Nebojsa giving instructions to a player.

KUWAIT CITY, July 23: Kuwait Club kicks off its training sessions this evening as it gears up to defend its remarkable treble from last season. The new campaign will officially start on September 12 with the opening of the Zain Premier League, under the guidance of Montenegrin coach Nebojsa Jovovic.

Last season, Kuwait Club dominated domestic soccer by winning the Zain Premier League, Crown Prince Cup, and Super Cup titles. The team also reached the Amir Cup final, initially scheduled for June 16 but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The squad will continue training until mid-August, when it is scheduled to depart for an overseas training camp.

Following last season, the club prioritized squad stability by renewing contracts with key foreign players: Mohammed Marhoon (Bahrain), Arsen “Malik” Zola (Congo), and Yassine Khenissi (Tunisia). Contract extensions were also signed by local stars including Faisal Zayed, Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Mohammed Farih, Redha Hani, Saud Al-Hoshan, and Mohsen Faleh (who has since been loaned to Al-Nasr). Additionally, the club secured the signing of veteran goalkeeper Khaled Al-Rashidi, who brings extensive experience from his previous stints with Qadsia, Arabi, Salmiya, and the Kuwait national team.

Kuwait Club is also close to signing Sam Morsy, the English-Egyptian captain of Ipswich Town, who is expected to replace Ameen Abu Al-Fath after agreeing on most contract terms.

Arabi will conclude the first phase of its preparation program this evening under the leadership of Portuguese coach Marco Alves.

The team will begin its second phase tomorrow, heading to an overseas training camp in the UAE, which will last until August 8. During this period, Arabi will participate in three friendly matches before traveling to the Maldives to face Maziya Sports Club on August 12 in a decisive AFC Challenge League playoff match. The winner will advance to the group stage of the competition.

Kazma has completed its foreign player roster by signing 27-year-old Algerian defender Idris Chaabi, joining fellow foreign recruits Jordanian players Ali Azaizeh and Yousef Abu Al-Jazar. The club also renewed contracts with striker Samson Akinyoola (Benin) and winger Anas Al-Awadat (Jordan).

Yarmouk signed goalkeeper Mohammed Ajaj from Al-Nasr to bolster its squad for the upcoming Zain First Division League, which will commence on September 14.

Ajaj becomes the third local player to join Yarmouk, alongside Mohammed Abdulhadi and Othman Al-Dossari, all of whom were recommended by head coach Dhaher Al-Adwani.

The club also finalized its foreign contingent, signing Syrian defender Abdullah Al-Shami, Tunisian striker Hazem Haj Hassan, Malian midfielder Moriba Diallo, Ghanaian winger Rubin Akwa, and Congolese midfielder Lusuku.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff