Players fighting for the ball in this file photo.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 29: Al-Arabi Club has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 5th Sharjah International Basketball Championship, held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The championship is set to begin on September 5, featuring Al-Arabi, Al-Bataeh, Sharjah (UAE), Hoops of Lebanon, Al-Fateh of Saudi Arabia, and Dijlah of Iraq.

Al-Arabi's team began training early in August to prepare for the 2024-2025 season. The team has undergone significant changes, with the departure of Ali Al-Hudhud, Hussein Al-Khabbaz, and Mosaed Al-Otaibi, who contributed positively last season. To strengthen its squad, the management has signed professionals Anderson Gomez and Salas Mongi to bolster the "Green" in both local competitions and the Sharjah International Championship.

In related news, the Al-Qadisiya basketball team has renewed the contract of American professional player Chinemelo Elono for the third consecutive season, following his impressive performances last year. However, his compatriot Robert Lowry is unlikely to be retained by American coach Anthony Stephen, who has opted for Croatian Tomislav Zubek and American Vilgrim among the professionals for the "Yellow" team. Al-Qadisiya will also compete in the Arab Clubs Championship this October in Alexandria, alongside Kazma, and participate in the Asian Basketball League (Super League) next season. Following its victory in the Federation Cup at the end of last season, along with league champion Kuwait Club.

By Khaled Al-Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff