The players, captains and coaches of Al Rayyan and Al Ahli pose for a picture on the eve of the Amir Cup Volleyball final at Qatar Volleyball Association Indoor Hall today at 7 pm.
DOHA: A big volleyball feast is on the cards when Al Ahli and Al Rayyan clash in the final of the Amir Cup today at Qatar Volleyball Association Indoor Hall court at 7pm.
For Slovenian star Tine Urnaut of Al Ahli Club and Al Rayyan Club’s French player Earvin N’Gapeth, it willbe strange situation as they will be pitted against each other in Qatar but in Italy are team-mates of Modena Volley.
Urnaut said of the upcoming final: “It’s the first time that we are playing against each other as Modena teammates. It is a really strange situation. The rules are changed in Qatar, allowing only one pro in a team.”
This is the first time that Al Ahli have made it to any final, the last one was in the 2012-13 season.
“I’m happy to be playing for Al Ahli Club and the progress till now has been fantastic. I know that Al Rayyan are the best team in the season, having won everything. We’re confident that we’ll fight for each ball and point. Also we’ll try to do everything that we can and make attempt to win the cup.”
Two seasons before, Urnaut had played for Al Rayyan Club but they lost the semi-finals to El Jaish said: “I already knew about some players from Al Ahli like Alaoui and Ali Asadi. They have many young and talented players. Also they have good coach Igor. He is one of the best coaches that I know.
“‘The coach has done an amazing job to build a strong team in Al Ahli. Also I know that all our players are ready and committed to make the match memorable,” Urnaut added.
N’Gapeth, playing in Qatar for the first time, said: “I’m happy to be part of the Al Rayyan team and the event. I hope we win the final which will be not only a big achievement of Al Rayyan Club but also for the Qatar volleyball.”
Truly, both teams took the game to new levels when they qualified for the final with 2-0 wins over Al Arabi Club and Qatar Sports Club.
Featuring in the 26th final, the 12-time winners Al Rayyan Club are hot choice for the title.
Al Rayyan Club have ruled the season with an iron fist. They just dropped one match against Qatar Sports Club and have won everything their eyes fell on. Starting from the Super Cup victory against Police, they progressed to claim the QVA League, with the prestigious Arab Clubs Championship, the Qatar National Tournament and the Qatar Cup.
Al Rayyan coach Carlos Schwanke is proud of his team and keen to finish the season on a high.
“In every tournament, I set a target for the team. I’m very proud that my team is able to match my expectations. The Amir Cup is also a very special event for us and we’ll try to write a new history,” he added.
Captain and coach of Al Ahli Club Assam Ahmed Mahmoud said: “This is the first Amir Cup final for us in 22 years. All the players have contributed immensely and helped us reach the final. Also coach Igor has prepared all of us for each match well. Congratulations to all for making it to the final.
“We’ve a difficult final against a champion team like Al Rayyan. We want to tell our fans that we’re ready and we need their support in the final,” Mahmoud added while talking to journalists.
This is the third final between Al Rayyan Club and Al Ahli Club in the Amir Cup.
