Qadsia coach Nabil Maâloul

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 6: Qadsia coach Nabil Maâloul confirmed that the club is exploring alternatives in case the deal for Libyan international Hamdou Al-Houni falls through.

Although Al-Houni signed a preliminary contract with Qadsia, his current club, Ahli Tripoli, is pushing to keep him. Maâloul stressed that any replacement must be of similar quality to strengthen the squad, adding that he hopes the club finalizes its transfer business quickly ahead of the new season.

Qadsia has already prepared a backup plan, opening talks with several foreign players should the Al-Houni move collapse. The team currently features Egypt’s Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim “Kahraba,” Libya’s Mohamed Soula, and Algerians Victor Lekhal and Soufiane Bouchar.

“Our ambition is to win the Zain Premier League after 10 years away,” said Maâloul, praising the club’s board for swiftly meeting his requests. He also emphasized the importance of closing the file on foreign signings soon to raise focus and readiness for the upcoming campaign, where Qadsia will also target the Gulf Champions League.

Maâloul wished Soula a speedy recovery from a recent injury with the Libyan national team and underlined that “whoever performs best will earn a starting place.”

He called on Qadsia fans to back the team throughout the season, expressing hope that the squad will deliver strong performances and return to the podium.

Qadsia begins its league campaign against Al-Nasr on September 13.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff