Kuwait open Club World Cup campaign against San Fernando

SAUDI ARABIA, Nov 6: The Kuwait Club's premier handball team embarked on their journey in the "Saudi Super Globe 2032" Club World Cup, commencing today in Dammam and concluding on the 12th of this month. They kick off their campaign by facing the Argentinian club Fernando in the first round of matches in the second group.

Meanwhile, Poland's Kelce Kelce will also play in the fourth group. The al-Najma of Bahrain match is scheduled for 11:30 in the morning. Later in the day, the action continues with Al-Ahly of Egypt taking on Al-Nour of Saudi Arabia in the first group at four in the evening, followed by the tournament's opening ceremony. The day concludes with a match between Magdeburg of Germany and Al-Khaleej of Saudi Arabia in the third group.

The tournament draw, held previously, placed "White Hand" in the second group alongside Fernando and the German Fox. The first group comprises Al-Nour of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahly of Egypt, and Barcelona of Spain. The third group features Magdeburg of Germany, Al-Khaleej of Saudi Arabia, and Queensland of Australia. In the fourth group, you'll find Kelsey of Poland, Al-Najma of Bahrain, and Cal Heat of America.

"Al-Abyad" prepared for the Handball Club World Cup through a training camp in the Bahraini capital, Manama. The camp was led by game director Sameh Al-Hajri and included national coach Haitham Al-Rashidi, his assistant Thiago Oliveira, Brazilian physical trainer Luis, national goalkeeper coach Ali Al-Khader, and Tunisian physiotherapist Dr. Yassine Boukra. The squad consists of 20 players, including 4 professionals: Qatari Frankis, Portuguese Hernandez, Brazilian circuit player Vinicius, and Tunisian Khaled Belhaj.

The team successfully brought back their injured players, Saif Al-Adwani, Abdullah Al-Gharabally, and goalkeeper Ali Safar. "Al-Ameed" is gearing up, through the Club World Cup, for a shot at the 26th Asian Club Championship title, scheduled to take place in Kuwait from the 17th to the 27th of this month.

Game director Sameh Al-Hajri stated that the team's technical staff has devised a comprehensive program to prepare the team during the Bahraini camp period. Training was intense, with sessions held twice daily, both in the morning and evening. Additionally, the team played some practice matches against strong Bahraini teams in preparation for the tournament. Al-Hajri confirmed the return of the star player, Saif Al-Adwani, who has recovered from his injury and resumed training.
However, his colleague Muhammad Amer will remain absent due to his complete recovery from an injury. Most of the players have recuperated from minor injuries, and the team is now at full strength in preparation for the World Championship.

Al-Hajri concluded by saying, "Al-Abyad are fully prepared to defend their chances in the World Cup, with hopes of achieving favorable results and an advanced position. Moreover, we are gearing up for our main goal, which is competing for the Asian Club Championship title. This championship is set to be hosted by Kuwait's Al-Qadsia Club from November 17th to 27th." It's worth noting that the World Cup draw placed the Kuwait Club in the second group alongside the Argentinian club San Fernando and the German club Foch Berlin.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff