Al-Arabi Football Club commenced its pre-season preparations under new leadership in a training camp held in Turkey. Croatian coach Goran Sablitch conducted his first session with the team on July 21, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Kuwait’s prominent football clubs.
Sablitch expressed enthusiasm about his appointment and the opportunity to work with a club that boasts a rich history. He emphasized his commitment to maximizing the current training camp and following a detailed preparation plan, highlighting the squad's positive progress so far. His primary objective is to build a cohesive and competitive team capable of meeting the club’s ambitions in the upcoming season.
The pre-season camp also saw several new signings integrating into the squad. Nigerian winger Anayo Iwuala, Senegalese player Jouhar Khadem Rasoul, Palestinian midfielder Zaid Qanbar, and Bader Tariq participated in the training sessions. Ethiopian player Keenan Maleko is expected to join the squad shortly once his Turkish visa formalities are completed. Meanwhile, teammates Yousef Majed and Yousef Sabah are preparing to travel pending the receipt of their passports. Talal Al-Matrood is scheduled to join the team after concluding his academic examinations.
Defender Hussein Ashkanani remains in Turkey undergoing a rehabilitation program following a recent medical evaluation aimed at facilitating his recovery and eventual return to full fitness. The club’s goalkeepers also made remarks about their recent moves: Abdulrahman Ajaj expressed gratitude to the club’s board for their confidence and vowed to contribute to the team’s success. Similarly, new signing Ahmed Adi thanked the management for the opportunity, while fellow goalkeeper Ali Dukhi voiced his eagerness to justify the faith shown in him by both the club’s administration and its supporters.
Al-Arabi has strengthened its squad by adding several local players alongside its foreign recruits. The club currently maintains six foreign players on its roster: Jouhar Khadem Rasoul, Leonardo Sheldon, Lucas Chalon, Anayo Iwuala, Keenan Maleko, and Zaid Qanbar. The management indicated that one foreign player is expected to be sent out on loan before the new season kicks off.
With these developments, Al-Arabi aims to combine fresh talent with experienced personnel under the guidance of Coach Sablitch, setting the stage for a competitive campaign ahead.