Rodion Gasanin

KUWAIT CITY, June 9: Croatian coach Rodion Gasanin, known as "Radan," has officially returned to Kuwait after signing an agreement with Al-Jahra to take charge of the first football team for the upcoming season.

Radan, 61, brings with him over 28 years of coaching experience. His career began in Croatia with clubs Opatija and Orient before he transitioned to the Gulf region. His impressive résumé includes stints with prominent clubs such as Kuwait Club, Al-Qadsiya, Al-Nasr (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), Hajr, Al-Orouba (Saudi Arabia), Erbil (Iraq), Al-Muharraq SC and Al-Riffa (Bahrain), Al-Mesaimeer  (Qatar), Al-Merreikh (Sudan), and Al-Ahli Benghazi (Libya).

Radan also had a brief tenure with the Kuwait national team in 2008, which ended after a loss to Syria during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Throughout his career, Radan has achieved notable success, securing multiple titles across various leagues. He led Al-Qadsiya to victories in the Kuwait Premier League, Amir’s Cup, and Super Cup. With Kuwait Club, he captured both the league title and the Crown Prince Cup. His time in Bahrain was also fruitful, winning the league twice, the Crown Prince Cup three times, and the Federation Cup once.

Al-Jahra’s board of directors has already coordinated with Radan regarding the selection of three foreign players for the new season. This comes following the contract renewal of Tunisian defender Amr Ben Zekri and the signing of Brazilian midfielder Silva, who played for Al-Sulaibikhat last season.

Al-Jahra recently earned promotion back to the Zain Premier League after finishing first in the Zain First Division League, and the club now looks to Radan to lead them into a competitive return at the top tier.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff