The 58th edition of the Kuwait Premier Handball League launches today at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex with the promise of a more competitive and balanced season. The excitement kicks off with two opening-round matches — Al-Nasr squares off against Kuwait Club at 5:00 p.m., followed by Qadsia versus Burgan at 6:30 p.m. The first round wraps up tomorrow as Al-Arabi takes on Kazma, while Salmiya meets Sulaibikhat.
This year’s Premier Division includes eight teams, with Qadsia and Al-Nasr newly promoted after their top finishes in the First Division last season.
In preparation for the tournament, most clubs looked abroad to fine-tune their squads. Kuwait, Burgan, Sulaibikhat, and Al-Arabi held training camps in Bosnia; Kazma trained in Izmit, Turkey; and Salmiya prepared in Qatar. However, Qadsia and Al-Nasr opted for local preparation.
A blend of local and international leadership will guide the teams in this edition. Four Kuwaiti coaches are at the helm: Hussein Habib (Burgan), Waleed Salmeen (Sulaibikhat), Yaqoub Al-Mousawi (Salmiya), and another assignment for Hussein Habib (Al-Arabi). The list of foreign coaches includes Algerian Saeed Hijazi (Kuwait Club), Tunisian Amen Al-Qafsi (Qadsia), Serbian Bozo (Kazma), and Bosnian Davor (Al-Nasr).
For the first time, the league allows clubs to register three foreign professionals, with a maximum of two allowed on the court at the same time during matches.
Clubs made significant international signings to exploit the new regulations:
- Kuwait Club brought in Montenegrin Vladan Lipovina, Portuguese Victor Iturriza, and Qatari Frankis Marzo.
- Burgan added Japanese Kosuke Yashira, Croatian Stipe Mandalinic, and Serbian Jovica Nikolic.
- Kazma signed Tunisians Anouar Ben Abdullah and Mohamed Ferad, along with Slovenian Labin Ganos.
- Qadsia acquired Tunisians Rayan Zriat and Jihad Araar, as well as Croatian Nadeem Hadzic.
- Salmiya brought in Tunisians Khaled Al-Haj and Mohamed Al-Sousi, along with Austrian Janko Brovic.
- Sulaibikhat secured French-Algerian Nouri Ben Halima and Portuguese Gonzalo Ribeiro.
- Al-Nasr retained just one foreign player: Tunisian Hani Al-Qarawi.
The policy shift is intended to enhance league competitiveness and disrupt Kuwait Club’s long-standing dominance.
“‘The three-foreigner rule is part of our plan to increase parity and push the overall standard of the league,’” said Assistant Secretary of the Handball Federation, Mishaal Al-Qabandi. “If clubs balance their rosters and coaching staff, the championship could be up for grabs.”
Al-Qabandi also noted that referees underwent intensive workshops and training sessions to ensure high-quality officiating this season.
Burgan’s handball director, Abdulaziz Najib, expressed optimism about the league’s outlook. “‘Adding a third foreigner benefits local players,’” Najib stated. “‘They get to train and compete alongside world-class talent, which raises their game.’”
After finishing runners-up last season and qualifying for Asian competitions, Burgan is setting its sights on the top of the table. “‘Our goal this year is the league title,’” Najib added. “‘We have a strong national coach, an experienced staff, and the core of last year’s team intact. With our new additions, we are ready to compete at the highest level.’”
With a more diversified player field, new coaching strategies, and robust preparation, the 58th Kuwait Premier Handball League promises what could be one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in recent memory.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
