KUWAIT CITY, Dec 27: Kazma has relieved Francisco Chalo of his coaching duties for the Portuguese national team and has opted to appoint Mohamed Dehelis as the new head coach. The decision to part ways with Chalo follows the team's lackluster performance this season, highlighted by a significant defeat in the eleventh round of the Zain Premier League.

Currently in sixth place with 13 points, Kazma trails behind leaders Al-Kuwait and Al-Arabi by 13 points and is 12 points behind second-placed Al-Qadisiyah. Chalo, who was signed in September to replace Brazilian coach Sergio Farias, failed to make a convincing impact, with the team suffering notable losses to Al-Arabi and Al-Nasr.

Youssef Bouskandar, the Secretary of the Kazma Club, revealed that the decision to dismiss Chalo was based on the recommendation of the administrative staff. The Portuguese coach and the club mutually agreed not to continue the collaboration, with Bouskandar expressing gratitude for Chalo's tenure with the team.

In Chalo's stead, Kazma has appointed Mohamed Dehelis, a national coach with previous experience leading Salmiya, Al-Sahel, and Burgan clubs. Dehelis is set to embark on his coaching role with the team immediately, having agreed to a season-and-a-half commitment.

Bouskandar conveyed the Kazma Board of Directors' confidence in Dehelis's capabilities, expressing optimism that the national coach will elevate the team's performance and results. The board wishes him success in achieving this goal.

Meanwhile, Algerian defender Imad Eddine Ezzi, a professional player for Kazma, has requested to terminate his contract, which extends until the end of the current season. The club has accepted Ezzi's request, and negotiations are underway with another Algerian professional player to fill the same position on the team.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff