Ali Al-Kheder

KUWAIT CITY, April 29: Kuwait‘s Ali Al-Kheder has officially signed a contract to join Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek as the team’s goalkeeping coach for the upcoming African Super Cup and African Championship, both of which serve as qualifiers for the IHF Club World Cup.

Al-Kheder’s appointment follows an impressive coaching track record, which includes standout stints with Al-Salmiya (Kuwait), Al-Khaleej Club (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwaiti national handball team. He also made a significant mark on the international stage, having coached goalkeepers for the Brazilian national team during the Paris Olympics qualifiers, the South American Championship, and the 2025 World Cup qualifiers, where Brazil secured a commendable seventh-place finish globally.

A seasoned competitor, Al-Kheder has represented Kuwait Club twice at the IHF Club World Cup, winning every domestic title as well as the Asian, Arab, and Gulf Championships. Goalkeepers under his guidance have earned numerous accolades, including:

Best Goalkeeper at the South American Championship

Best Goalkeeper at the Arab Cup and twice at the Gulf Championship

Best Goalkeeper at the IHF Club World Cup

Best Goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics qualifiers

Beyond coaching, Al-Kheder is a certified lecturer, underscoring his reputation as a respected figure in international sports education.

Commenting on his new role, Al-Kheder expressed his pride in joining Zamalek, describing the club as one of the “largest and most successful” in both the Arab and African regions. He added that he looks forward to achieving success with the team’s goalkeepers in the upcoming continental competitions.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff