Al Sadd’s Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah celebrates after scoring a goal against Al Rayyan in this file photo. The 25-year-old ‘Goal Machine of Al Sadd’ said he will aim to break his record of scoring 29 goals when the new football season kicks off n
Al Sadd’s feared Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah said he will aim to break his record of scoring 29 goals when the new football season kicks off next month.
Last season, the 25-year-old grabbed the headlines for scoring heavily for Al Sadd who picked up two trophies under coach Jesualdo Ferreira.
Al Sadd clinched the Qatar Cup at the end of April and wound up the season with the Emir Cup title a few weeks later to seal a memorable run of attacking football.
“I scored 29 times in all competitions for Al Sadd. I will try to score more (goals) so that I can help the team compete well in all tournaments in the new season,” Bounedjah said.
In a round four clash of the Emir Cup, Bounedjah scored all four goals in their 4-1 win over Al Kharaitiyat.
“I am happy that we will be playing the AFC Champions League next year,” Bounedjah said.
Al Sadd are set to play more matches in the new season when they take part in the Qatar Stars League, the Qatar Cup and the Emir Cup events.
Bounedjah, who renewed his contract with Al Sadd at the end of last season, said the Doha giants would be tested in the new season.
“The competition will be very strong among the top teams. After the merger of Lakhwiya and El Jaish, we have a strong team in Al Duhail. In addition to this, top sides like Al Arabi and Al Gharafa have got new players,” Bounedjah said.
Bounedjah said Al Sadd had hit the ground running in the build-up to the new season.
“We have been working really hard with training which is being conducted two hours in the morning and in the evenings every day. Then there is the fitness drills also. We are looking to get the best preparation ahead of the new season,” Bounedjah said in an interview with the club’s website.
“I hope that the players stay away from injuries so that the whole team will be battle-ready when the new season starts in September,” he said.
At the end of May, the Algerian finalised a four-year extension to his stay at Al Sadd, a move that delighted the striker. At the same time, Al Sadd also signed a long-term deal with defender Khoukhi Boualem.
“It was the best decision for me to renew my contract with Al Sadd. I love playing for them and I am very comfortable here. I have a great understanding with the club. I hope that I will always do the best and help the team win the titles,” Bounedjah said.
“The fan-base of Al Sadd is another factor. They have great fan following. They support the team and celebrate in style,” he said.
Bounedjah’s team-mate and influential defender Boualem said: “For me, Al Sadd is the biggest club. I always wanted to play with them. I hope I can live up to the club expectations.”
He added: “We have been preparing well since it is going to be about giving more than 100 percent when the new season starts. We have to be in ready- mode by September. We will be playing a lot of football once the season starts.”
Boualem said the presence of Barca legend Xavi Hernandez had given the Doha giants an edge over rivals and the club’s younger players an opportunity to learn from the master midfielder.
“Any player who gets to play alongside a great player like Xavi, who has won World Cup and Club World Cup titles, gets to learn so much,” Boualem said. “I feel the same way.”
“It is a huge honour for any player to don the white jersey of the Wolves and I am happy with my team,” Boualem said.
“I am very happy to play at Al Sadd. I hope I can impress the management and the fans in the upcoming period,” he added.
