Kuwaiti players train as the coaches look on.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 3: For several years, Kuwaiti stadiums have seen a scarcity of emerging talents and stars, with promising players becoming increasingly rare. When fans get excited about a new player showing remarkable skills, these abilities often seem to gradually "fade" over time, leaving supporters disappointed.

Kuwaiti football fans continue to dream of seeing players who recall the "golden age" of the 1980s, such as legends like Jassim Yaqoub, "the terrifying," Faisal Al-Dakhil, "the King," and Abdullah Al-Balushi, "the artillery." They also long for players from the 1990s era, including Bashar Abdullah, Adel Aqla, Osama Hussein, and others who captivated audiences. However, the lack of emerging talent has led to declining fan enthusiasm and a noticeable decrease in match attendance.

Al-Seyassah looked into the reasons behind this talent gap.

Clubs at the Core of the Issue

Jawad Maqseed believes that clubs bear much of the responsibility, stating, "Unfortunately, clubs lack proper plans to attract and develop young talent, often opting to bring in ready players instead of scouting and nurturing players from a young age." Maqseed, a member of the Golden Generation's technical staff, emphasizes that focusing on youth development with comprehensive, professional approaches in clubs is essential.

Decline in School Support

Coach Fawzi Ibrahim pointed to the "feminization" of primary schools and the rise of private academies as key factors. He suggests limiting youth training within clubs to two age categories, so players can reach the first team by age 17, with partial professional stipends as an added incentive. He also calls for a state-led approach, with initiatives to develop more sports facilities across Kuwait and an academy similar to Qatar's Aspire Academy.

A Hostile Sports Environment

Dr. Hussein Al-Makimi, former Kuwait and Al-Qadsiya goalkeeper and current professor at the College of Basic Education, argues that talent exists in Kuwait, but there is a disconnect in attracting and nurturing it. Al-Makimi explains, "Clubs have become unwelcoming environments for young talent, and traditional scouting methods have largely disappeared." The shift in elementary school environments has also impacted talent discovery, as scouts now face challenges accessing schools primarily led by women, where they traditionally sought talent.

Despite the hurdles, Al-Makimi sees promise in some academies and the School Sports Federation’s efforts to revive talent scouting. "I was discovered by a coach in third grade," he recalls. "I, in turn, discovered former Kazma goalkeeper Shehab Kankouni in fourth grade." He highlights the importance of early motivation and continued support to foster long-term development.

Coaching Quality Concerns

Tawari Madloul, a former Al-Jahra Board member, believes that the quality of coaching at clubs significantly hinders player development. "Foreign clubs hire highly qualified technical staff for youth training, ensuring young players receive the right foundation," he said. The influence of technology, he added, also diverts the younger generation from sports, and limited resources at many clubs contribute to subpar training conditions.

Madloul calls for greater investment in sports infrastructure, expanded budgets for clubs, and state-of-the-art training centers aligned with international standards to cultivate a new generation of Kuwaiti football stars.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff