Sheikh Al-Yousef: Kuwait set to host two major sporting events

Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 26: Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef revealed that the country is close to hosting two major sporting events in December and February, with details expected to be announced within the next few days.

Sheikh Al-Yousef said both events would be “bigger than the French Super Cup,” which Kuwait hosted in January.

He also praised the atmosphere surrounding the opening round of the Premier League, saying the clash between Kuwait SC and Al-Arabi attracted a strong turnout and produced an exciting, closely contested match despite the high temperatures.

The KFA president added that the First Division season will begin after Kuwait completes its campaign at the 27th Gulf Cup. He confirmed that Al-Shorta will participate, while talks are continuing with several other clubs.

Sheikh Al-Yousef said the national team will travel to Doha for a training camp following the third round of the league.

The Blues are also scheduled to play a friendly in Jeddah before starting their Gulf Cup campaign.

Al-Arabi coach Goran Sablic accepted that mistakes contributed to his side’s 3-3 draw with Kuwait Club, describing them as inevitable, particularly in the opening match of a competition.

Sablic praised his players for their aggressive approach and said the team could have taken all three points had it not been for the mistake that allowed Kuwait Club to score a late equalizer.

He thanked the Al-Arabi supporters for their backing and said his side would maintain the same determination and performance level when they face Al-Jahra in the second round on Sunday.

Kuwait Club football department vice president Hani Al-Aqla, meanwhile, defended the decision to replace the Portuguese coach and appoint Firas Al-Khatib, saying the move was made in the team’s best interests.

Al-Aqla attributed Al-Arabi’s second goal to a defensive error and expressed confidence that Kuwait would make up for the dropped points in upcoming matches.

New Kuwait Club coach Firas Al-Khatib described taking charge of the club just days before the start of the season as “an honor no one could turn down.”

Al-Khatib highlighted Kuwait’s dominance in domestic football over the past decade and acknowledged that the team must work harder in the coming weeks.

He also believes Kuwait Club can compete strongly in the AFC Champions League Two, pointing to the club’s impressive record of winning three, four, and even five trophies in recent seasons.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff