Nabil Maaloul

KUWAIT CITY, June 12: Al-Qadsiya Club has officially appointed Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul to lead the first team for the 2025-2026 season, succeeding Montenegrin coach Zeljko Petrovic, who leaves after a disappointing campaign without silverware.

Petrovic, who was signed last September to replace national coach Mohammed Al-Mashaan, following a mutual termination in August, failed to meet the club’s expectations. Under his leadership, Qadsia: Lost the Super Cup final, exited the Crown Prince Cup in the semi-finals, finished third in the Zain Premier League, and settled for runner-up in the Gulf Champions League, following a 2-1 defeat to Iraq's Duhok in the second leg after a 1-1 draw in the first.

Maaloul is set to begin his tenure in July, during which he will meet with club officials to lay out a comprehensive preparation plan for the new season and assess the squad’s requirements.

A seasoned tactician born in 1962, Maaloul brings with him a wealth of experience. His coaching résumé includes stints with Kuwait SC, Esperance de Tunis, Al-Jaish SC, Al-Duhail SC, USM Alger, and the national teams of Tunisia, Kuwait, and Syria.

He is believed to have the backing of former club president Sheikh Talal Al-Fahad and will reportedly be granted full authority over the technical staff and foreign player selection, including decisions on contract renewals and releases.

The current foreign lineup at Qadsia includes: Daniel Jibola (Nigeria), Mohamed Soula (Libya)

Mehdi Berhama and Ismail Khafi (Morocco), Hussein Dhiri (Algeria) – whose contract was recently terminated.

Both the Qadsia board and the club’s passionate fanbase are placing high hopes on Maaloul to usher in a new era of success. The Yellows have endured a challenging spell in recent years, securing only five trophies in the last decade, including: Kuwait League title (2015-2016)

Crown Prince Cup (2017-2018), Super Cup (2018, 2019), Amir’s Cup (last season)

With a legacy of success and a fresh mandate, Maaloul now faces the task of restoring Qadsia’s place at the summit of Kuwaiti football.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff