Goran Tovaric

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 15: Athari Al-Balushi, head of the Hospitality and Hotels Committee for the upcoming Khaleeji Zain 26, announced that six hotels have been designated to accommodate Kuwait’s guests and the delegations participating in the tournament. The event is set to kick off this Saturday evening and will run until January 3, 2025.

Al-Balushi explained that the committee developed a detailed timeline, conducting multiple inspection visits to the chosen hotels to assess their final preparations well in advance of the delegations’ arrival. This effort ensures compliance with all requirements set forth by the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation.

“Our committee members will be stationed at all hotels throughout the tournament to facilitate entry and exit procedures and meet all the needs of the delegations. VIP services will also be provided for dignitaries, media professionals, referees, match observers, medical staff, and the doping committee at the main platforms of Jaber Al-Ahmad and Jaber Al-Mubarak stadiums,” Al-Balushi said.

She expressed gratitude for the high level of cooperation and coordination among the various committees working on the tournament, emphasizing the collective effort to overcome obstacles and achieve success. These efforts align with the directives of Kuwait’s political leadership and the supervision of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee.

Serbian coach Goran Tovaric reminisced about the pinnacle of his coaching career: leading the Kuwaiti national team to victory in the Gulf 20 Championship in Yemen in 2010. “Winning the Gulf title with Kuwait is my proudest achievement, especially as it came after years of hard work and a long absence from the podium for the Blues,” Tovaric said.

Tovaric had previously been part of Kuwait’s coaching staff under Mohammed Ibrahim during Gulf 19 in Oman in 2009. After securing Kuwait’s tenth Gulf Cup title, he guided the team to a third-place finish in Gulf 21 in Bahrain. Now coaching the UAE’s Al-Wahda Club, Tovaric fondly recalls the camaraderie and passion of Gulf Cup fans, calling his experience in Kuwait a “privilege” for him and his family.

On the upcoming Gulf Zain 26, the 53-year-old noted, “This championship, like all others, defies logic and technical expectations. Any team can win.” He expressed his hope for Kuwait’s victory, even if it meant relinquishing his status as the last coach to lead Kuwait to a Gulf title.

Renowned Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Pereira, who also left his mark with the Kuwaiti national team, highlighted the unique significance of the Gulf Cup for the region. Pereira reflected on the fierce competition during his era, crediting it for producing standout stars across Gulf teams.

Despite earning numerous international titles, Pereira stated, “The Gulf Championships hold a special place with their dynamics and challenges. Although I finished as runner-up twice—with Kuwait and the UAE—my experience in the Gulf Cup remains invaluable.”

Both coaches emphasized the Gulf Cup’s importance as a platform for competitive excellence and regional pride, underscoring Kuwait’s readiness to host an event that reflects its rich sporting tradition and organizational prowess.