Javier Munoz

KUWAIT CITY, April 1: Al-Qadsiya has officially announced the appointment of Spanish coach Javier Munoz as the new head coach of the first basketball team, replacing American coach Antonio Stebbing, who resigned.

Munoz takes charge of the Yellows at a challenging juncture in the season, following the team’s elimination from the Gulf region semifinals of the West Asia Super League against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad. The team also suffered back-to-back league defeats to Al-Qurain and Al-Sulaibikhat.

Tensions arose after Al-Qadsiya’s two consecutive losses to Al-Ittihad, despite winning the first leg in Kuwait. Disagreements between the former coach and players ultimately led to Stebbing’s resignation.

Munoz brings prior experience in Middle Eastern basketball, having coached the Syrian national team two years ago. His tenure with Al-Qadsiya begins today with a crucial match against Al-Nasr.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff