KUWAIT: Some of the big names of Kuwaiti football have thrown their weight behind the upcoming Khaleeji Zain 26, praising its organization and urging fans to buy tickets and pack out the stadiums from December 21 to January 3. Formerly known as the Arabian Gulf Cup, the Khaleeji Zain 26 will welcome the eight nations of the Gulf for one of the most eagerly anticipated editions of the tournament in its 54-year history.

And with the organizers applying the finishing touches to what is sure to be a memorable sporting and cultural celebration, some of the former stars of Kuwaiti football have shared their views with only days to go until the opening ceremony at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.

Kuwait is in Group A with Oman, Qatar and the UAE, and the past-players are confident that they can advance to the semi-finals following recent promising performances in the World Cup qualifiers. “I am so happy to see the tournament back in Kuwait and I am sure it will be organized to the highest international standards,” said Faraj Lahib, a key member of the 1998 Gulf Cup winning Kuwaiti side.

“I have been following progress in the media and on social media and it has been refreshing to see the new systems in place, particularly at the stadiums to manage the fans getting access, and the way that fans can purchase their tickets easily online.”

Looking ahead to the action, the former striker of the Kuwait Club believes recent form shows that they have every chance of advancing into the knock-out stages. “They are all equal in the group and if The Blues can show a consistent performance I believe they have just as much a chance as the other three teams,” he said. “As an ex-player we know the fans expect a strong performance and, even though we didn’t win, we showed how well we can perform in the World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Jordan last month.”

Walid Ali is remembered for scoring the winning goal for Kuwait when they beat Saudi Arabia, 1-0, to clinch the 2010 Gulf Cup in Yemen, the last time that Kuwait picked up the prestigious biennial trophy. He believes the class of 2024 can make an impact on home soil and is also impressed by the levels of professionalism behind the organizing of the event.

“The Gulf Cup is a very important tournament because it can change a player’s life if they play well,” the midfielder said. “I don’t see why The Blues can’t do well because we are playing on home soil and they showed what they are capable of against Jordan and South Korea.

“The fans will be motivated and will get behind the team as well. The organizers are providing all the information the fans need, especially being able to buy their tickets through the Hayakom application which means they can get their tickets wherever they are, at home or at work.

“We have just as good a chance as anyone to get through the group stage.” Hamad Harbi was the Golden Boot winner for all Arab leagues in 2006, and says it is the Kuwaiti fans who hold the key to boosting his nation’s chances.

He has urged the supporters to buy their tickets and pack out the stadiums to become the team’s 12th man ahead of the first match against Oman on December 21. “Booking the tickets through the application has made it so much easier for fans to buy them and show their support, which will make a big difference for the team,” said the former Blues striker from Al-Salmiya Club.

The Khaleeji Zain 26 has taken our organizational professionalism to the next level, so I urge fans to buy tickets, attend the matches and make this a special event that will show Kuwait in a positive light.” While Kuwait will play Oman, UAE and Qatar in Group A, the second Group will consist of reigning champions Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain.

Tickets are on sale now through the ‘Hayakom’ application for matches that will be played at both the 57,000 capacity Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and 15,000-seater Jaber Al-Mubarak International Stadium.