Sulaibikhat chases historic place in Premier Volleyball League semifinals

A file photo of players in action.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 4: Sulaibikhat stands on the brink of a historic achievement as they take on Al-Arabi at 5:00 pm today in the final round of the resumed 2025-2026 Premier Volleyball League.

The match will be held at the Kuwait Volleyball Association Hall in the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, with the winner claiming the fourth and final semifinal spot alongside Kuwait Club, Qadsia, and Kazma.

Sulaibikhat, who has one point, needs a victory to reach the league's final four for the first time in the club's history. Al-Arabi, who has yet to collect a point, is equally determined to win and secure qualification.

Wednesday's program also features a clash between Kuwait Club and Qadsia at 7:00 pm.

The race for the semifinals remains wide open, with both sides knowing that victory is essential. While Al-Arabi aims to avoid an early exit, Sulaibikhat is eager to seize a rare opportunity to write a new chapter in the club's history.

Kuwait Club tops the standings with seven points, in addition to the bonus point earned for finishing first in the preliminary round. Kazma occupies second place, followed by Qadsia, Sulaibikhat and Al-Arabi.

The semifinals will be played next Monday, with the competition concluding next Thursday with the final to determine the Premier League champions.

Meanwhile, Sulaibikhat head coach Ahmed Refaat expressed confidence in his team's physical and mental readiness, citing the encouraging performances delivered in recent weeks.

"With the backing of the club's management, a training camp in Egypt, and the addition of quality foreign professionals and local players, we are determined to claim the last semifinal spot and make history," Refaat said.

He added that Saad Al-Enezi would miss today's match due to injury, while Mohammed Dashti would be unavailable due to work commitments. The rest of the squad, including the foreign professionals, is ready.

Refaat said he had full confidence in his players' ability to secure victory and achieve the historic qualification.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff