KUWAIT CITY, Jan 3: Ali Al-Khader, the esteemed goalkeeper coach for the Kuwait National Club handball team, has inked a deal with the Brazilian national team to serve as a goalkeeper coach and technical analyst during the upcoming 2024 Paris Handball Olympics. The tournament, scheduled for March, will witness the participation of Brazil, Spain, Hungary, and Bahrain.

In the event that Brazil secures qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ali Al-Khader will be an integral part of the coaching staff accompanying the Seleção to Paris. Further negotiations are underway between the Brazilian national team and the Kuwait Club, exploring the possibility of utilizing the Greens' services during the South American Championship, expected to take place in February.

Adding another feather to his cap, Al-Khader's extensive CV includes playing for Al-Sahel, Al-Salmiya, and Al-Qurain clubs, as well as representing the national team. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, contributing to the success of Al-Salmiya and the Saudi Gulf Club before assuming coaching roles for the Kuwait Club and the national team.

Al-Khader boasts a remarkable coaching record, securing Asian, Gulf, and Arab club championships with the Kuwait Club. His coaching journey also led to two appearances in the World Club Championship "Super Globe" with the Kuwait Club, along with numerous local championships in the league, cup, and super competitions.

Expressing his excitement about the new opportunity, Al-Khader shared that the contract with the Brazilian national team was at the request of their coach, Marco Solivera. Despite receiving several Asian offers, Al-Khader opted for the Brazilian national team, aiming for success in this mission. He extended gratitude to the Kuwait Club's Board of Directors for supporting his venture into coaching the Brazilian national team's goalkeepers.

Al-Khader affirmed his goal of qualifying with the Brazilian national team for the 2024 Paris Olympics and clinching victory in the South American Championship, considering it a significant achievement for any national coach in the sport.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff