Roaring Al Rayyan eye treble glory
DOHA: Volleyball giants Al Rayyan will be looking to complete a trophy treble this season when they take on Police in the Qatar Cup final today.
Coached by Carlos Schwanke, Al Rayyan won the Super Cup final against Police last November before clinching the Qatar Volleyball League title earlier this month.
“We have the chance for one more title. We are expecting to bring a good level to the final,” Schwanke said yesterday.
“All of my players feel ready. May the best team win. In every championship there is a story. We are playing for a trophy,” the Brazilian said.
“For us Police are playing their best. We have to be at our best. I cannot promise the result. I can promise the fight from our side,” he added.
“And yes, congratulations to Police for reaching the final,” Schwanke said with a smile.
Earlier this month, Al Rayyan defeated Police 3-1 in their last Qatar Volleyball League match to remain unbeaten in the season. This was the ninth league title for Al Rayyan and it came after a gap of two seasons. Police finished runners-up with 46 points.
In February, Al Rayyan won the 36th Arab Club Volleyball Championship in Tunis after beating Tunisia’s Esperance 3-0 in the final of the tournament.
The winner in today’s final will pick up QR 300,000 while the runners-up take home QR 200,000, Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) confirmed yesterday.
Police coach Damian Arredondo said the final ‘felt like a thriller of a game’.
“It looks like it’s going to be a thrilling game. We were close to winning against Al Rayyan many times this season. Both teams have had good games and I am sure we will make a great game for the fans,” Arredondo said.
“This is not a revenge match. They are a champion side. For us, this is the first final of this event. We will give our best. They can change their (suspended) players because all (of their reserve players) are good. They have a great team,” Arrendondo added.
“We are happy to be in the final. We wish to play a high level game. We hope to enjoy the game tomorrow.
“We are confident of becoming the new champions. We are excited to be in the final because it is a big show. We want to deliver like we did in the semis. We did what was expected from us. Now the final is here. Now we have to give everything we have,” the Argentinian added.
Two former players will be honoured after the final while a special prize for the Most Valuable Player will also be announced, QVA said yesterday.
Police manager Rashid Mahmood said: “It’s a big match. We have played well. It will be a tough clash. The best of Qatari volleyball will be seen in the match. We hope to present a good match. Al Rayyan are a very experience side having won numerous titles.”
Al Rayyan’s team-manager Ali Ishaq said: “The match is going to be a tough one for both side. We have had tough games all season and that shows that you have to show respect to Police team players.”
Sulaiman Saeed of Al Rayyan said yesterday: “I respect the Police squad. I can say that they are a tough side. They have played well throughout the season. The performance of my team didn’t change since the suspension (of key players). We played without suspended players. Two of our played won’t be available. The replacement players will try to make a statement.”
The Qatar Cup game will be telecast live on Al Kass Sports Channel.
