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Al Sadd and Qatar national team striker Ibrahim Khalfan speaks during a press conference during the unveiling of Aspire Academy’s new television commercial in Doha yesterday. PICTURE BY: ABDUL BASIT
BY DENZIL PINTO
DOHA: Al Sadd striker Ibrahim Khalfan insists the defending Qatars Stars League (QSL) champions need to improve if they want to retain the title this season.
Having won their last three matches, Hussein Amute’s side is in second position, three points behind leaders Eljaish who have a points tally of 24. But last season’s Player of the Year, Khalfan believes his team-mates can improve despite admitting the players are still yet to show their full potential this season.
Speaking after the launch of Aspire Academy’s new television commercial, where Khalfan played a leading role, the 25-year-old said: “We are not in the peak of our performance but I think we can do better. We do need to improve but hopefully we can do that soon.”
He added: “We are in a good condition. We are close to the top of the league and the other teams are improving which is difficult for us. We will try our best to be at the top of the league but there is a long time until the end of the season.”
Speaking of Amute giving the opportunity to youngsters this season, the Qatar national
team striker said it was good for the 13-time QSL champions and the country.
He said: “It is good for Al Sadd club and for the national team and also for the young players. And hopefully we can see more of them in the future as they have the potential to play good.”
Having started his career with Al Sadd in 2004, Khalfan has won numerous titles with his current club including the QSL title four-times and a maiden AFC Champions League title in 2011. One of his biggest achievements was being named Asian Football of the Year in 2006.
When asked of the achievement, Khalfan replied: “I always felt Qataris can achieve great things. And I asked myself why not me? When I want to send a message, I don’t go to the media, I let my football do the talking. The award was not just for me, it was for the whole of Qatar, and that shows that Qataris can achieve great things. Many people need to hear this message.”
He added: “There is no secret for success. When I was young, I added something which the coaches had told me. I also got difference types of advice from different sports stars such as basketball players. I was so determined to succeed that I was working in the gym while others were sleeping.” THE PENINSULA
