The Qatar Men’s volleyball league has traditionally been a two-horse race between Al Arabi and Al Rayyan. As the new season begins on October 17, it is again difficult to look beyond these two powerhouses.
Champions Arabi and Rayyan have impeccable credentials. While the former have won the title a record 25 times, the latter are the second most successful club with nine triumphs.
The fact that the two have triumphed in 34 of the 37 editions held so far underlines their domination.
Qatar SC are the only team other than the big two to have won the league. They last reigned supreme in 2005, but are now in decline.
El Jaish, relatively a new entrant to the domestic scene, threatened to break the Arabi-Rayyan hegemony, but failed to deliver when it mattered the most and had to be content with cup triumphs. The same goes with the ever-improving Police and Al Ahli, who always start well, but come a cropper when it comes to finishing things off, while the other clubs just make up the numbers.
Though most teams are busy with last-minute signings, Arabi were in the transfer market very early and roped in Brazilian spiker Leandro Vissotto from Japan’s J T Thunders. Not to be left behind, Igor Arbutina-coached Rayyan brought in Cuba’s Cala Yosleidar from Iran’s Sarmayeh Bank Tehran.
As far as local talent is concerned, Arabi will once again rely on seasoned campaigner Ibrahim Saeed, who will renew his rivalry with Rayyan’s Mubarak Dahi Waleed.
“Our team has always been a blend of youth and experience, and it’s the same this time too. Last year, our aim was to regain the league crown from Rayyan. This year, we’re keen on defending it,” said Arabi coach Mawia Alajnaf.
Last year, Arabi snapped Rayyan’s three-year run at the top and then went on to win the Emir’s Cup. This time, they started the season brightly by reaching the final of Asian Clubs Championship and the onus is on them to carry it forward.
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