KUWAIT CITY, July 6: The Kuwait Club delegation departs today for an external camp in Turkey, preparing for the 2024-2025 season. "Al-Abyad" began training last week and will play three to four friendly matches during the 20-day camp.

In related news, Moroccan press reports indicate that former Wydad Sports Club captain Yahya Gibran has received an enticing official offer from Kuwait Club to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season.

Midfielder Gibran, born on June 18, 1991, began his career as a futsal player and represented the Moroccan national team in 2012. He transitioned to grass football in 2013 with Raja Beni Mellal, then played for Mouloudia Oujda in 2015, Hassania Agadir from 2016 to 2018, Dibba Al-Fujairah in the UAE, and returned to Wydad Athletic Club in 2019. He also played for the Moroccan national team for local players in 2017, participated with the national team in 2021, and competed in the 2022 World Cup.

Kuwait Club aims to bolster its squad with several professionals in the coming period, especially if an agreement with Gibran isn't reached. This move comes in response to the departure of Moroccan Mahdi Rahma to Al-Qadisiya Club. The team currently includes Tunisian Yassin Al-Khanisi, Bahraini Muhammad Marhoun, Argentine Sergio Vitor, and Congolese Arsene Zola "Malik." Tunisian Yassine Amri has decided not to renew his contract.

Among local players, Kuwait Club has renewed the contracts of Sami Al-Sanea and Youssef Nasser for another season, along with Muhammad Freih, Mishari Ghannam, and Fahd Hammoud.

"Al-Abyad" aims to compete for local titles and make a significant impact in international competitions, particularly in the Asian Championship. It will participate in the qualifying playoff for the AFC Champions League 2, facing a challenging match against Al-Ahly of Bahrain on August 14 in Manama.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff