Doha: The cream of talent in the country will be recognised at a glitzy awards ceremony on Saturday evening at the prestigious Qatar Football Awards which also marks the end of an action-filled domestic football season.
Among the deserving award winners will be the coach of the year who improved the fortunes of his side significantly over the 2015/2016 season.
The nominees for this award feature three head coaches who gave their best during the season.
First up is Al Rayyan head coach Jorge Fossati. The charismatic Uruguayan tactician was hired by Al Rayyan in the summer as the Lions look to finish in the top four places after getting promoted from the Qatar Gas League.
Fossati immediately had an impact on the side and lead them to a record breaking winning streak of eleven games, including a 9-0 mauling of Qatar SC.
A 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Al Sadd in the Qatar Clasico didn’t destabilise Fossati and his side went on to post another nine game winning streak, which culminated in Al Rayyan lifting the title for the first time in 21 years with five rounds to play. Under Fossati, Al Rayyan has enjoyed a memorable season of free flowing football with plenty of goals.
El Jaish’s head coach Sabri Lamouchi has also been nominated after enjoying a fine season with the soldiers.
The former Inter Milan player has guided Jaish to their joint highest finish in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), claiming second place, and also delivered the Qatar Cup this term.
El Jaish have been one of the most constant sides in the QSL this season, and this has also been reflected in their commanding performances in the AFC Champions League, and look set to be in the Quarter Finals following their 4-0 victory over rivals Lekhwiya. Whilst Jaish also swept aside Lekhwiya in the Qatar Cup final 2-1 to pick up the coveted Qatar Cup trophy at the end of April, for the second time in their history.
Qatari tactician Yusef Adam has been nominated for the fantastic job he did towards the tail end of the season with Al Ahli. The former Qatari international was asked to be caretaker manager of Ahli in Janaury, following the dismissal of Zlatko Kranjcar.
In the remaining ten games of the season, Ahli only lost twice and a five game winning streak pushed them from relegation contenders to a comfortable sixth placed finish.
Fine victories over the likes of Al Rayyan and Lekwiya highlighted Adam’s tactical nous and drastically improved the fortunes of a struggling Ahli side.
The three coaches will now have to wait till Saturday evening to discover who will be crowned the coach of the year at the QFA awards.
The Peninsula
