The Kuwaiti players preparing for the opening match against UAE.

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: Kuwait will take on the UAE at 7:45 pm in the second round of Group One in the Gulf Cup for Veterans, which Kuwait is hosting until Wednesday. In the same group, Qatar will face Oman at 4:45 pm, while Group Two will feature Yemen against Saudi Arabia at 6:15 pm and Bahrain against Iraq at 9:15 pm. All matches will be held at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium.

Wael Suleiman, former star of Kuwait and Al-Jahra Club and head of the Kuwaiti Veterans team delegation, anticipates fierce competition among the eight participating teams in pursuit of the tournament’s inaugural title. In a press statement, he praised the tournament’s competitive format, which was initiated by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi as part of the national holiday celebrations.

Suleiman emphasized Kuwait’s ambition to claim the tournament’s first title, noting that it coincides with the Gulf tournaments, including the upcoming "Gulf 27" in Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the efforts of the Blues’ technical staff, led by veteran coach Mohammed Ibrahim and assistant Hani Al-Saqr, alongside team manager Mohammed Binyan and administrators Ali Mahmoud and Adel Youssef. He also acknowledged the contributions of public relations officer Mohammed Shaaban, media coordinator Hassan Musa, medical department director Dr. Abdul Majeed Al-Bannai, team doctor Dr. Ali Al-Shamali and his assistants, as well as equipment specialist Sami Fattouh, for their role in preparing the players.

“All the players, whether those excluded due to injury or those continuing in the competition, have given their best effort to represent Kuwait honorably. They have demonstrated their commitment to the responsibility entrusted to them, and we greatly appreciate their dedication,” Suleiman stated.

He also noted the unpredictability of the tournament’s outcome, affirming that all teams have an equal shot at the title, regardless of the early group-stage results. Suleiman expressed gratitude to the Kuwait Football Association for its trust in the technical and administrative staff, commending the support of the association, led by Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef Al-Sabah.