A file photo of players in action.

CAIRO, Jan 11: Burgan Club is set to face Egypt’s Zamalek today in its second friendly match during its external training camp in Cairo. This camp serves as preparation for the 43rd Arab Men’s Volleyball Clubs Championship, scheduled to take place in Doha from January 13 to 26, featuring 15 Arab clubs, including Burgan and Kuwait.

Burgan previously played a friendly against Heliopolis, where both teams agreed to play four sets. The delegation will head directly to Doha on January 14.

The team faced an early setback as several players contracted the flu at the start of the Cairo camp. The medical staff intervened, providing rest to the affected players to ensure their recovery ahead of the championship.

The Burgan delegation is led by the club’s vice president, Mohammed Al-Faraj, and includes Mohammed Al-Otaibi, head of the volleyball apparatus; Ahmed Al-Holi, team administrator; and Argentine coach Alejandro Grossi. The roster consists of 18 players.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait Club continues its rigorous preparations in Doha. The team will play its first friendly match today against Qatari side Al Rayyan and plans a second match before the tournament begins. Kuwait’s delegation, led by Musleh Al Rashidi, Director of Volleyball at Kuwait Club, includes administrators Mosaed Al Omairi and Abdulaziz Al Duwaisan, Turkish coach Taner Atik, his assistant Erin Jay, and Dr. Abdullah Talib, alongside 18 players.

The championship draw placed Burgan in Group Four, alongside Palestine’s Gaza, Qatar, and UAE’s Al Jazira. The Kuwait Club team is in Group Two, competing against Oman’s Al Seeb, Egypt’s Zamalek, and Libya’s Al Hilal.

In other volleyball news, the 2024-2025 women’s season began yesterday with the Super Cup match between Al-Fatat Club and Salwa Al-Sabah Club. The general league is set to commence next Tuesday, featuring Al-Fatat, Salwa Al-Sabah, and Al-Oyoun Girls clubs. The league will be contested in four divisions, concluding on March 18.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff