Salmiya coach Ashour pushes to retain Lima, Sid Dia, and Al-Aswad

Al-Salmiya players go through training drills at Thamer Stadium.

KUWAIT CITY, April 28: Al-Salmiya returned to training on Tuesday at Thamer Stadium after resuming preparations that had been halted since late February, with all players present except Syrian Mahmoud Al-Aswad and Bahraini Sid Dia.

The session was overseen by Bahraini coach Ali Ashour, who arrived from Manama earlier that morning.

Ashour recommended keeping Brazilian Alex Lima for another season, along with Sid Dia and Al-Aswad, while advising against renewing Syrian professional Omar Midani’s contract. He also suggested resolving the situation of Tunisian Emad Al-Lawati, whose deal runs until next season.

The coach, whose contract runs through the end of next season, also called for recruiting local players to strengthen Al-Salmiya going forward.

Mubarak Al-Fannini is among the most notable players to return to Al-Salmiya after terminating his contract with Al-Qadsia.

Al-Qadsia has decided not to renew Senegalese striker Ablai Mbengue’s contract, allowing him to leave the club following a technical recommendation from coach Nabil Maaloul.

The club is awaiting Maaloul’s return from vacation to finalize decisions on other foreign players.

Meanwhile, Al-Qadsia has extended goalkeeper Hamid Al-Qallaf’s contract for another season after his strong performances this campaign.

The club is also close to signing goalkeeper Saud Al-Qanai after his contract with Al-Shabab expired, while Rashid Al-Dosari has renewed his deal.

Al-Arabi has secured the services of former Kazma striker Talal Al-Qaisi after he departed from Al-Orangemen.

Head coach Nasser Al-Shatti is set to meet with the club’s management to shape the next phase and define squad requirements, particularly regarding foreign signings and local reinforcements needed to strengthen the team.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff