“Kuwait X Al Arabi”.. Summit marks the launch of the 65th edition of the Zain League
The competitions of the Zain Premier League kick off today in its most participatory edition ever, with clubs competing in a two-division league format. Twelve teams will face each other in a double round-robin system (home and away), without resorting to the separation into “Championship” and “Relegation” groups as seen in recent seasons. The team accumulating the most points by the end of the second phase of the league will be crowned champion.
Al-Arabi, the defending champions and record titleholders with 21 league titles, aim to extend their record by securing their 22nd title. Meanwhile, Al-Qadsia and Al-Arabi, each with 17 titles, hope to halt Kuwait’s dominance and claim their 18th championship. Al-Salmiya and Kazma are seeking a return to the podium after a long absence, both clubs having won four titles each. Al-Jahra aims to pull off a surprise and win its second league crown, while Al-Nasr, Al-Tadhamon, Al-Fahaheel, Al-Shabab, Al-Sahel, and Sulaibikhat are hoping to secure their first-ever title in club history.
The season opens with a heavyweight clash as the defending champions, Kuwait, face their traditional rivals, Al-Arabi. Al-Fahaheel will also host Al-Qadsia. The remaining matches of the opening round will take place tomorrow (Wednesday), when Al-Shabab hosts Al-Jahra and Al-Nasr visits Al-Salmiya. The round will conclude the day after tomorrow (Thursday) with two fixtures: Al-Sahel versus Sulaibikhat, and Kazma against Al-Tadhamon.
**Opening with a “Climax”**
According to the league draw, the 65th edition of the league begins with a strong encounter and a “clash of titans” between Kuwait and Al-Arabi at the Ali Al-Sabah Stadium in the Al-Nasr Club. This marks the start of Kuwait’s campaign to defend their title after winning the last five consecutive editions. Al-Arabi, meanwhile, seeks a strong start and to reconcile with their fans after losing hope of qualifying for the 2024 AFC Champions League Two following their defeat by Indian side East Bengal. They also aim to improve their performance compared to their last match, which took place at the beginning of Al-Ahli’s official league campaign.
The days leading up to the league launch were not calm for Kuwait Club, which decided to terminate the contract of former Portuguese coach Alexandre Santos, who had led the team during the preparation period and the London training camp. The task has now been handed to Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib, who faces a significant challenge in his first match in charge of Kuwait. Similarly, Croatian coach Goran Sablic, in charge of Al-Arabi, is preparing for his first match on the technical bench in the country.
Both teams prepared adequately during the pre-season. Kuwait held a training camp in London, playing five friendly matches. Al-Arabi prepared with a training camp in Izmit, Turkey, and played several friendlies before their match against East Bengal. Both clubs have settled on their foreign players for the new season. Al-Arabi will rely on a quintet comprising Palestinian Zaid Qanbar, Nigerian Iyala, Senegalese Jowhar Khadem Rasoul, Brazilian Sheldon, and Ethiopian Kenan Maliko. Kuwait appears more stable, featuring Tunisian Tahar Yassine Khenissi, Ghanaian Arsene Zola, Moroccan Mehdi Berrahou, Brazilian Vinicius, and Bahraini Mohammed Marhoon, with only Vinicius being a new addition.
**“The Yellow” Starts with the General**
“The Yellow,” Al-Qadsa, begins their league journey under the leadership of veteran coach General Mohammed Ibrahim, who has returned to manage the team after a series of experiences coaching other clubs, including Kuwait, Al-Arabi, and Al-Salmiya. He leads Al-Qadsa on a significant path toward the title, relying on the team’s vast experience, spearheaded by star Bader Al-Mutawa and his local teammates, along with a quintet of foreign players: Moroccan Hamza Khaba, Omani Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri, Nigerian Gabriel Urok, Moroccan Ayoub Al-Khader, and Ivorian Cedric Gboho.
Al-Fahaheel, which has made major changes both in coaching and squad composition, hired Slovakian coach Martin Sevyila to replace Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib. They are bolstered by South African Ranga Chivavaro, Ethiopian Gatos Banum, Dutch Alvin Fortes, Brazilian Vitor, and Brazilian Carlos Bruno. Al-Fahaheel aims to make a strong start and defeat visiting Al-Qadsa in the opening round.
