Kuwait dismisses Santos; Al-Khatib emerges as the frontrunner to succeed him
Kuwait Club announced on Saturday the termination of the contract of Portuguese first-team manager Alexandre Santos just days before the start of the new season, and the departure of Tunisian assistant coach Karim Chadli after a tenure of nearly 10 years. Meanwhile, Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib has emerged as the top candidate to lead the “Whites,” who are preparing to face Al-Arabi on Tuesday to begin their campaign to defend the league title, which they have monopolized in the last five seasons.
The dismissal of Santos, whom the club signed last month to succeed Montenegrin Nebojsa Popovic, followed observations made by the management regarding his performance during the pre-season preparations, both in terms of working methods and results in friendly matches.
The “Whites” lost 2-0 to Kazma on Thursday in their final friendly match before facing Al-Arabi to open the “Zain League” on Tuesday.
Prior to that, the team suffered defeats during their training camp in London, losing 1-0 to Milton Keynes Dons (League One), 2-0 to Portsmouth (EFL Championship), and 2-1 to Peterborough United (League One). They did, however, defeat Barnet (League Two) 3-2.
Al-Khatib previously managed Fahaheel for the past four seasons, successfully guiding them to the Championship Group of the Premier “Zain League,” which comprises the top six clubs competing for the title. He also played for Kuwait Club during the 2016-2017 season.
For his part, Karim Chadli stated in a post on his social media page that he was forced to leave the club due to personal reasons related to his father’s illness and his commitment to the “Pro” coaching course at the Kuwait Football Association.
He expressed his gratitude to honorary club president Marzouq Al-Ghanim, board chairman Khaled Al-Ghanim, treasurer Fahad Al-Ghanim, former club president Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, and Mohammed and Ali Al-Ghanim. He also thanked Vice President of the Football Department Adel Aqela, as well as the administrative, technical, and medical staff, along with current and former players.
On another note, the squad for the new season of the Premier “Zain League” was completed with the promotion of Al-Salmiya after being crowned champions of the First Division, completing the season that began last Thursday.
Al-Salmiya defeated Al-Jazira 1-0, with the goal scored by Brazilian Daniel Santos in the 44th minute, during the final 21st round.
Al-Salmiya moved up to 44 points, finishing ahead of Al-Sahel on head-to-head records, after Al-Sahel had already secured promotion in the previous round but lost 3-2 to Al-Yarmouk.
In other results, Burqan defeated Sportive 4-2, and Khaitan beat Al-Shamya 1-0.
The Competitions Committee of the Kuwait Football Association has revised the schedule for the opening rounds of the Premier “Zain League.”
Matches originally scheduled to be played over two days for the first three rounds have now been spread over three days, with two matches per day.
Accordingly, in the opening round, Al-Arabi will face Kuwait at Ali Al-Salem Stadium, and Fahaheel will take on Qadsia at Naif Al-Dabous Stadium on Tuesday. Al-Shabab will host Al-Jahra at their home ground, while Salmiya will welcome Al-Nasr on Wednesday. The round will conclude on Thursday with two matches: Al-Sahel versus Al-Salmiya at Abdullah Al-Khalifa Stadium, and Kazma against their guest Al-Tadhamon.
