Kazma SC
Kazma Sporting Club (Arabic: نادي كاظمة الرياضي), commonly known as Kazma SC, is a Kuwaiti multi-sport club based in Kuwait City, founded on August 31, 1964.[1][2] Best known for its professional football section, the club competes in the Kuwaiti Premier League and has a rich history in various sports including basketball, volleyball, and handball.[1][3][2] The football team of Kazma SC has established itself as one of Kuwait's prominent clubs, securing four Kuwaiti Premier League titles in the seasons 1985/86, 1986/87, 1993/94, and 1995/96.[4] It has also claimed eight Kuwait Emir Cup victories (1981/82, 1983/84, 1989/90, 1994/95, 1996/97, 1997/98, 2010/11, and 2021/22), along with two Kuwait Federation Cup wins in 2015/16 and 2017/18, two GCC Champions League titles in 1986/87 and 1994/95, and one Kuwait Crown Prince Cup in 1994/95.[4] A notable highlight came on December 21, 2009, when the team hosted FC Barcelona in a friendly match at Kazma Sports Club Stadium, ending in a 1–1 draw with Bojan Krkić scoring for Barcelona in the 79th minute.[5] Beyond football, Kazma SC's basketball section has achieved success in the Kuwaiti Division I Basketball League and participates in regional competitions like the FIBA WASL Gulf League.[6] The volleyball team competes in the Kuwait Volleyball League, while the handball team recently won the Kuwait Handball Super Cup in the 2024–2025 season, marking their second title in the competition.[2][7] The club's diverse sporting sections underscore its role as a cornerstone of Kuwaiti athletics, fostering talent across multiple disciplines since its inception.[1]History
Founding and naming
Kazma Sporting Club was established on August 31, 1964, in Kuwait City by local enthusiasts seeking to create a dedicated sports organization in the area.[8][9] The club's name derives from the Kathma area, a coastal region approximately 40 kilometers north of Kuwait City, renowned as the site of the historical Battle of Chains (known in Arabic as That Al-Slaseel) in 633 A.D., a key engagement during the Islamic conquests of Persia led by Muslim forces under Khalid ibn al-Walid.[10] From its inception, Kazma SC aimed to promote various sports activities and enhance community engagement within the Kazma district, initially focusing on football while laying the groundwork for broader athletic involvement.[11]Early development
Kazma SC entered the Kuwaiti Second Division shortly after its founding, beginning competitive play in 1965 and demonstrating steady progress in the lower tiers of Kuwaiti football. By 1974, the club had earned promotion to the Premier League, where it began to build a reputation as a competitive force in the top flight. This period marked the establishment of football as the club's cornerstone sport, with early focus on developing local talent and fostering a strong competitive identity within the domestic structure.[12] The club's initial major milestone came in the late 1970s, highlighted by its first Kuwait Emir Cup victory in 1982, defeating Al-Kuwait 6-1 in a dominant performance. This triumph, followed by another Emir Cup win in 1984 against Al-Tadamon (2-0), solidified Kazma's emergence as a cup contender and contributed to its growing fanbase. These successes underscored the club's early development, transitioning from regional participation to national prominence while prioritizing football as the primary discipline.[13] During the 1970s and 1980s, Kazma expanded beyond football to diversify its offerings, introducing sections for basketball, handball, and futsal. The basketball team, in particular, quickly achieved domestic success, winning the Kuwaiti league title in 1980 and establishing the club as a multi-sport entity. This growth reflected broader efforts to promote athletic development in Kuwait, with handball and futsal sections following suit to engage a wider community and enhance the club's overall infrastructure.[11][14]Recent history
Entering the 21st century, Kazma SC continued to compete reliably in the Kuwait Premier League, achieving several top-half finishes but facing increasing competition from dominant clubs like Kuwait SC and Qadsia SC. A highlight came in December 2009, when the club hosted FC Barcelona for a high-profile friendly match, ending in a memorable 1–1 draw that showcased Kazma's potential on an international stage.[5][15] The mid-2010s brought both successes and setbacks. Kazma lifted the Kuwait Federation Cup in 2015–16, defeating Kuwait SC 2–1 in the final to end a long trophy drought. However, the 2012–13 season saw the club struggle, finishing last in the league with a record of 4 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses, leading to a relegation threat that was ultimately averted through league restructuring. The club returned to stability in subsequent seasons, maintaining its Premier League status.[16] In the 2020s, Kazma has settled into mid-table consistency, with no major honors but solid performances avoiding the extremes of the standings. The 2024–25 season has seen the club in 7th place after 21 matches, with 5 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses, reflecting a balanced but unremarkable campaign as of November 2025.[17]Management and administration
Presidents
The presidents of Kazma SC are elected by the club's members through general assemblies, with terms typically ranging from 1 to 10 years depending on the board's mandate and club bylaws. This process ensures democratic oversight of the club's administrative, financial, and strategic decisions, including policy on player contracts, facility development, and participation in competitions. The club's leadership has seen a succession of prominent figures since its founding, each contributing to its growth as a multi-sport institution. The following table outlines the chronological list of presidents and their tenures:| Tenure | President |
|---|---|
| October 1964 – October 1965 | Ahmad Khalid Al-Fozan |
| November 1965 – June 1995 | Yousef Abdullah Mohammed Shaheen Al-Ghanim |
| June 1995 – September 1995 | Abdullah Al-Dakheel Al-Rasheed |
| September 1995 – October 1995 | Khaled Abdullah Al-Sanea |
| October 1995 – October 1999 | Sulaiman Muhammad Al-Adwani |
| October 1999 – October 2005 | Abdulaziz Jassim Al-Ghanim |
| October 2005 – October 2006 | Ahmed Yusuf Al-Badir |
| October 2006 – circa 2023 | Asad Ahmed Al-Banwan |
| Circa 2023 – present | Ali Alobaid |
Managerial history
Kazma SC has experienced a diverse succession of head coaches since its founding, with a notable emphasis on international expertise to elevate team performance in the Kuwait Premier League and cup competitions. Early appointments often featured local or regional figures, but from the 1980s onward, the club increasingly turned to foreign managers, reflecting a strategic shift toward global tactical influences. This evolution has seen tenures vary from short-term stints to multi-year engagements, often tied to performance in domestic titles and continental qualifications.[23] Since the 2010s, Kazma SC has shown a clear preference for international coaches, particularly from Brazil, Serbia, and more recently Croatia, to implement modern training methodologies and competitive strategies. Brazilian coaches like Robertinho (2008–2009) and Beto Bianchi (2020–2021) brought attacking flair and technical development, while Serbian managers such as Boris Bunjak (2019–2020) and Željko Markov (2022) emphasized disciplined organization. The appointment of Croatian Dragan Tadić on May 31, 2025, continues this trend, aiming to stabilize the squad amid recent league challenges. This hiring pattern has coincided with improved youth integration and occasional cup successes, though consistency in league standings remains a focus.[23][24] Among key figures, Beto Bianchi, a Brazilian-Spanish coach, led Kazma from July 2020 to June 2021, overseeing a transitional period that included mid-table finishes in the Kuwait Premier League and efforts to rebuild after relegation threats in prior seasons. His tenure focused on squad rotation and player development, contributing to a points-per-game average of approximately 1.2 across 26 matches. Sérgio Farias, another Brazilian, had a brief stint from July 6, 2023, to September 11, 2023, during which Kazma recorded mixed results, including a 3-3 draw and a 2-5 loss in early fixtures, before his departure amid club restructuring. The current manager, Dragan Tadić from Croatia, assumed control on May 31, 2025, replacing Rusmir Cviko, and has prioritized defensive organization in preseason preparations, drawing on his experience in European lower divisions to target a top-four league position in the 2025–26 season.[25] A pivotal era under Romanian coach Florin Motroc (July 2015–July 2017) highlighted tactical adaptability, with his emphasis on defensive solidity enabling Kazma to secure the 2015–16 Kuwait Federation Cup victory via a 2–1 final win over Kuwait SC. Motroc's approach, blending compact defending with counter-attacks, yielded a league-best defensive record that season and a runner-up finish in the 2016–17 Kuwait Emir Cup, marking one of the club's most successful recent managerial periods. These appointments underscore Kazma's reliance on foreign expertise for on-pitch strategy, often under presidential oversight to align with long-term club goals.Affiliated clubs
Kazma SC has established key affiliations with international and local clubs to enhance player development and talent exchanges. In addition to international ties, Kazma SC maintains strong connections with local Kuwaiti academies, such as the Kuwait Football Association's youth development centers, for systematic talent scouting across the country. These affiliations enable regular scouting events and integration of promising local talents into Kazma's senior squad pathways. The benefits of these partnerships include robust loan systems, where players can gain experience at affiliated clubs, and collaborative training camps that have significantly contributed to squad depth during the 2020s.Infrastructure
Stadium
Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, located in the Adiliya district of Kuwait City, serves as the primary home venue for Kazma SC. Also known as Peace and Friendship Stadium, it has a capacity of 21,500 spectators and is the second-largest stadium in Kuwait.[26][27][28] Opened in 1990, the multi-purpose stadium is primarily used for football matches, including Kazma SC's fixtures in the Kuwaiti Premier League. It has also hosted games for the Kuwait national football team. The venue underwent a full renovation of its facilities, completed in 2016.[27][29] The stadium's name translates to "Friendship and Peace," reflecting its role in fostering sporting events, and it gained prominence by hosting the 10th Arabian Gulf Cup in 1990, where Kuwait emerged as champions at the Peace and Friendship Stadium.[27][30]Club facilities
Kazma SC maintains training facilities adjacent to the club's main stadium, including a soccer pitch used for player preparation. The club also features amenities such as an athletics track, swimming pools, and squash courts.[31] The club's youth academy operates programs for developmental age groups, focusing on coaching and pathways to the senior squad.[32]Achievements
Domestic competitions
Kazma Sporting Club has enjoyed considerable success in Kuwaiti domestic football competitions, particularly in the premier league and major cup tournaments organized by the Kuwait Football Association. The club's achievements reflect its competitive stature within the national framework, with multiple titles underscoring periods of dominance in the 1980s and mid-1990s, as well as more recent cup successes. These victories have contributed to Kazma's reputation as one of Kuwait's top clubs, alongside rivals like Al-Qadsia and Kuwait SC.[12] In the Kuwaiti Premier League, Kazma has secured four championships, establishing itself as a formidable force during key eras of the competition's history. The club claimed back-to-back titles in the mid-1980s, winning the 1985–86 season and successfully defending the crown in 1986–87, a feat that highlighted their tactical prowess and squad depth at the time. Later successes came in the 1990s, with victories in the 1993–94 and 1995–96 campaigns, during which Kazma outperformed established powerhouses to claim the league honors. These triumphs positioned Kazma among the elite, with only a select few clubs surpassing their total in the league's records.[33][34]| Season | Champion |
|---|---|
| 1985–86 | Kazma SC |
| 1986–87 | Kazma SC |
| 1993–94 | Kazma SC |
| 1995–96 | Kazma SC |
Continental and regional competitions
Kazma SC has competed in continental competitions organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including four appearances in the Asian Club Championship (the predecessor to the AFC Champions League) between 1987 and 1997.[38][39][40][41] The club's best performance came in the 1988–89 edition, where it advanced to the semifinals after topping its preliminary group with victories including a 3–0 win over Sharjah FC, but finished third in the semifinal group following a 0–2 loss to Al-Rasheed and a 1–1 draw with Guangdong Wanbao.[39] Earlier, in 1987–88, Kazma qualified via the Gulf Club Champions Cup, topped the preliminary group, and reached the semifinals, finishing third in the semifinal group.[38] Subsequent entries in 1994–95 ended in first-round elimination against Al-Arabiyyah Club (2–2 aggregate, out on away goals), and in 1996–97 Kazma reached the second round before defeat to Al-Rayyan SC (1–2 aggregate).[40][41] The club also entered the AFC Cup twice, in 2009 and 2011, as Kuwaiti Premier League participants from emerging markets.[42] In 2009, Kazma reached the quarter-finals, defeating Al-Jaish and Al-Najaf in the group stage before aggregate losses to Al-Ahli SC (2–3 away, 0–1 home).[42] Its 2011 campaign saw a round-of-16 exit to Al-Wehdat SC (1–2 after extra time) following group-stage advancement.[42] In regional competitions under the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, Kazma achieved notable success in the Gulf Club Champions Cup, winning the title twice.[43] It claimed its first victory in 1987, hosted in Kuwait, by defeating Al-Hilal 1–0 in the final after topping the group stage.[44] The second triumph came in 1995 in the UAE, securing the championship through strong group performances.[43] These wins qualified the club for subsequent Asian Club Championships.[38][45] Kazma has not qualified for any AFC or Gulf competitions since its 2011 AFC Cup participation, primarily due to inconsistent domestic league results preventing entry via Kuwaiti Premier League or cup success.[42]Other honors
Kazma SC secured the Al-Hasawi Super Cup in 2007 by defeating Qadsia SC 0–0 (4–2 on penalties) in the final match held on February 7, 2007.[46] The club has contributed to two Kuwaiti Player of the Year honors through its former player Shabib Al-Khalidi, who received the Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Award (Golden Cup) for the best domestic footballer in consecutive years, first in 2022 and again in 2023.[47][48]Football
Current squad
As of November 2025, Kazma SC's senior football squad for the 2025–26 season comprises 30 players, with a focus on a mix of experienced Kuwaiti talents and international recruits from Jordan, Algeria, Colombia, Benin, and Nigeria.[49] The roster emphasizes defensive solidity and versatile attacking options, including several players on contracts extending through 2026 or later, while one forward's deal expires at the end of the 2024–25 campaign.[49]Goalkeepers
| No. | Player Name | Nationality | Age | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Abdulrahman Al-Majdali | Kuwait | 25 | - |
| 1 | Hussain Kankone | Kuwait | 36 | - |
| - | Hussein Kankouni | Kuwait | 20 | Expires 30/06/2026 |
Defenders
| No. | Player Name | Nationality | Age | Position | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Yousef Abu Al-Jazar | Jordan | 26 | Centre-Back | - |
| - | Drice Chaabi | Algeria/France | 28 | Centre-Back | - |
| - | Saleh Faisal | Kuwait | 22 | Centre-Back | - |
| - | Ali Ateeq | Kuwait | 31 | Centre-Back | - |
| - | Abdulrahman Al-Dehani | Kuwait | 24 | Centre-Back | - |
| - | Bandar Al-Barazi | Kuwait | 20 | Left-Back | Expires 30/06/2028 |
| - | Dhari Al-Raqm | Kuwait | 28 | Left-Back | - |
| - | Mohammad Al-Azmi | Kuwait | 33 | Right-Back | - |
| - | Abdulaziz Rassam | Kuwait | 25 | Right-Back | - |
Midfielders
| No. | Player Name | Nationality | Age | Position | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Sultan Al-Enezi | Kuwait | 33 | Defensive Midfield | Expires 30/06/2026 |
| - | Shereedah Al-Shereedah | Kuwait | 33 | Defensive Midfield | - |
| - | Othman Al-Shammari | Kuwait | 25 | Defensive Midfield | - |
| - | Khaled Shaman Al-Mutairi | Kuwait | 29 | Defensive Midfield | - |
| - | Montaser Al-Abdulsalam | Kuwait | 20 | Midfielder | - |
| - | Jarah Al-Heleeli | Kuwait | 21 | Midfielder | Expires 31/05/2028 |
| - | Abdullah Al-Fahad | Kuwait | 28 | Central Midfield | - |
| - | Nasser Falah | Kuwait | 25 | Attacking Midfield | - |
Forwards
| No. | Player Name | Nationality | Age | Position | Contract Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | Talal Al-Qaisi | Kuwait | 23 | Left Winger | - |
| - | Hansel Zapata | Colombia | 30 | Right Winger | - |
| - | Bandar Bouresli | Kuwait | 29 | Right Winger | - |
| - | Anas Al-Awadat | Jordan | 27 | Right Winger | Expires 30/06/2026 |
| - | Meshaal Marzouq | Kuwait | 26 | Right Winger | - |
| - | Ali Al-Azaizeh | Jordan | 21 | Right Winger | - |
| 10 | Nasser Al-Faraj | Kuwait | 35 | Right Winger | - |
| - | Shabaib Al-Khaldi | Kuwait | 27 | Centre-Forward | - |
| - | Aqeel Al-Hazeem | Kuwait | 25 | Centre-Forward | - |
| - | Samson Akinyoola | Benin/Nigeria | 25 | Centre-Forward | Expires 30/06/2025 |
Recent seasons
In the 2023–24 season, Kazma SC achieved a 7th-place finish in the Kuwait Premier League, marking a solid mid-table performance, and reached the round of 16 in the Emir Cup.[50][51] The following 2024–25 campaign saw the club end 7th in the Premier League, compiling a record of 5 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses across their matches, with their cup efforts cut short by a quarterfinal exit in the Emir Cup.[52][53] Overall trends in recent years highlight defensive improvements under Brazilian coach Sérgio Farias, who emphasized tactical solidity during his tenure, though the team has shown early inconsistency in the 2025–26 season under new head coach Dragan Tadić, including a 0–2 defeat to Al-Arabi in one of the opening fixtures.[54][55]Participation in Asian competitions
Kazma SC's participation in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournaments dates back to the late 1980s, with the club achieving notable success in the Asian Club Championship before competing in the AFC Cup in the 2010s. The club's campaigns have been marked by competitive group stage performances and a progression to the knockout rounds in select editions, though limited domestic success has restricted further entries in recent years.[38] In the 1987–88 Asian Club Championship, Kazma SC advanced to the semi-final group stage after topping a preliminary group in Kuwait. They recorded three wins and one loss in the group, defeating Muharraq SC 3–0 in one of their standout matches, which stands as one of the club's biggest victories in continental competition. This performance highlighted Kazma's early prowess in West Asian football, though they did not progress to the final.[38][38] Kazma returned to AFC competitions in the 2010 AFC Cup, qualifying via the Kuwait Crown Prince Cup. They topped Group A with four wins and two draws, scoring 15 goals and conceding just four, before advancing to the quarter-finals. There, Kazma faced Al-Ahli SC (Syria) in a two-legged tie, securing a 1–0 away victory in the first leg but falling 0–1 in the return match at home, resulting in elimination on the away goals rule. Key results included a 5–1 home win over Al-Jaish SC and a 2–1 victory against Nasaf Qarshi. The club's most recent AFC appearance came in the 2012 AFC Cup, where they entered as Kuwait Emir Cup winners. Placed in Group B, Kazma finished second with three wins, two draws, and one loss, accumulating 11 points from 10 goals scored and six conceded. Notable matches included a 5–1 home triumph over Al-Orouba SC and a 1–1 draw away to Erbil SC, but a 1–0 loss to the same opponents at home ended their group stage hopes without knockout progression.[56][57] Kazma SC has not participated in any AFC tournaments from 2013 to 2025, primarily due to failing to secure qualifying domestic titles following their relegation from the Kuwait Premier League in 2013 and subsequent inconsistent performances. This absence reflects the club's challenges in regaining top-tier continental eligibility.Notable personnel
Players in major international tournaments
Several Kazma SC alumni have represented the Kuwait national football team in major international tournaments, contributing to the country's appearances in the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. These players have helped showcase the club's talent on the global stage, with notable participation in Kuwait's historic 1982 World Cup campaign and multiple Asian Cup editions where the team achieved successes such as the 1980 title win. In the FIFA World Cup, Kuwait's sole qualification came for the 1982 edition in Spain, where three Kazma SC players were included in the 22-man squad. Defender Jamal Al-Qabendi featured in all three group stage matches, including the memorable 1-1 draw against Czechoslovakia, providing defensive stability during Kuwait's debut at the tournament. Midfielder Nasser Al-Ghanem also played in all three games, logging 270 minutes and contributing to the team's midfield control. Fellow midfielder Yousuf Al-Suwayed appeared in one match against England, making a substitute appearance as Kuwait competed against strong European opposition.[58][59] Kazma players have had an impact in the AFC Asian Cup, with alumni participating in editions since 1972. In the 1980 edition, which Kuwait won on home soil, Kazma's representation included defender Jamal Al-Qabendi, who appeared in matches during the successful campaign that saw Kuwait defeat South Korea 3-0 in the final. More recently, forward Yousef Nasser, then with Kazma, featured in the 2015 Asian Cup, appearing in three group stage matches as Kuwait was eliminated in the group stage. Kazma's contributions are documented in select tournaments, though comprehensive alumni statistics are limited in public records.Record goalscorers and appearances
Youssef Sweid holds the record as Kazma SC's all-time leading goalscorer, with 172 goals in domestic league and cup competitions during his career with the club from the 1970s to the early 1990s. This total, verified by the Kuwait Football Association's statistics committee, includes 137 goals in the Kuwaiti Premier League alone, where he ranks fifth in the competition's historical list. Sweid's scoring prowess contributed significantly to Kazma's successes, including multiple domestic titles, and his record remains unbroken as of 2025.[60][61] Other notable goalscorers for the club include Brazilian striker Patrick Fabiano, who topped Kazma's scoring charts in three consecutive seasons (2014–15, 2015–16, and 2016–17) and helped secure key victories in the Kuwaiti Premier League and cups during his time from 2014 to 2017. Long-time forward Shabaib Al-Khaldi has also been a prolific contributor since joining in 2016, amassing dozens of goals in league and cup matches, though exact career totals for the club are not fully aggregated in public records. A breakdown of Sweid's goals highlights his dominance in league play (137 goals) versus cup competitions (35 goals), underscoring his versatility across formats. In contrast, modern scorers like Fabiano focused more on league output, with his club-leading tallies often exceeding 20 goals per season in the Premier League.| Player | Total Domestic Goals | League Goals | Cup Goals | Period at Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youssef Sweid | 172 | 137 | 35 | 1970s–1990s |
| Patrick Fabiano | ~50 (estimated for Kazma) | ~40 | ~10 | 2014–2017 |