DOHA: The 2016/2017 Qatar Stars League (QSL) season was formally launched at a glittering ceremony which took place at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in Doha on Tuesday.
The event was attended by top QSL officials, coaches of all competing teams and football enthusiasts who witnessed the start of yet another glamorous launch prior to an action filled season which will sees 14 clubs vie for top honours and the Falcon Shield which is on offer for the champions.
Coach of the defending champions Al Rayyan, Uruguayan Jorge Fossati said that his team expect a tough season ahead with plenty of competition from other capable teams.
“In Qatar it is tough as there are six or seven clubs capable of winning the title and they have improved in the summer. In Al Rayyan, we will go about our business the same, we are a big club and we will aim for the title.”
Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Ferreira said that he believes that his side can push again for title glory.
“Al Sadd [is] the most successful team in Qatar [and] we are always aiming to win the title.
“We played well last season but it wasn’t good enough. I always strive to win, we will have plenty of challenges but I trust in the abilities of this squad,” Ferreira said.
Al Ahli enjoyed a fine run of form towards the season which saw the Brigadiers grab sixth place in the league and new head coach Luka Bonacic admitted that the top four is a realistic target for his players. “Last year, this group performed well, and we have kept with the same side I believe we can make the Qatar Cup places.”
Al Gharafa also will be targeting a top four finish after enjoying an extensive preseason under head coach Pedro Caixinha.
“Our team is a big club in Qatar with a history and loyal fans; we have to try for the top four. Gharafa is fully prepared and looking forward to starting the season.”
With the league being shortened to twelve sides next season, four teams will be relegated from the QSL. It will mean that sides that finished in the lower reaches of the table will be looking for a major improvement in fortunes this season.
“Al Wakrah must improve this season; The team is well prepared, that is the important for us I believe we have a good, integrated team this season we will need a strong team spirit if we are to stay in the league,” said Al Wakrah head coach Mauricio Larriera who is eager to avoid an eleventh placed finish like last season.
Newly promoted sides will feature prominently in the battle to beat relegation. Despite the seemingly impossible chances, Muiaither coach Philippe Birol was bullish of his sides chances this season.
“Muaither won the right to be a part of the QSL last season, which was an achievement, now the hard work begins now. Our aim is to finish inside the top ten.”
With the league formally launched, only eight days are left before the first match between Al Ahli and Al Gharafa kicks off, the Falcon shield was also unveiled at the end of the ceremony.
The Peninsula
