For three successive years, the Super Cup featured Al Arabi Club against Al Rayyan Club. However this year, there is a change in the line-up as Policed forced their way into the one-off match that pits the League champions against the winners of the Emir Cup of the past season.
The match is scheduled at the Qatar Volleyball Association’s renovated indoor hall in Doha at 5.30 pm on Friday.
Whether it is Police, who bagged the League crown last season with a commanding performance, or Al Rayyan, the match is sure to crown a new winner. On all the three previous occasions, Al Arabi Club did not allow Al Rayyan Club to savour the piece of pride, beating them 3-0, 3-1 and 3-1, respectively.
A press conference was held at the QVA Headquarters on Thursday. QVA Board Member Saeed Salem and QVA Technical Director Hussein Imam Ali were present along with the members of both the clubs. Police had Rashid (manager), Damian Arredondo (coach), John Chigbo (player) and Mads Ditlevsen (professional from Denmark). Al Rayyan were represented by Ali Ishaq (manager), Carlos Schwanke (coach), Mubarak Dahi Waleed (player) and Ivan Borounjak (professional from Serbia).
Police will start as favorites for the Super Cup on the strength of having the same core group of players and coach that was available last season. On the contrary, Emir Cup winners Al Rayyan Club are composed of more youngsters than experienced players.
Police coach Arredondo said his team has prepared hard for three months for this event and it has to be seen how his team adjusts with the new rules. “We’re waiting for this match eagerly. We’re playing better than last year. Each player has been set a goal and I hope they will put in their best to achieve that objective and the victory on Friday.”
Earlier, all the teams were allowed to field one professional and four resident players. This season, the number of the resident players has been reduced to three and it is expected to be two in the next term, with an aim of grooming more local players.
“We’re playing the Super Cup for the first time. It is undoubtedly going to be a difficult match. We know Al Rayyan very well. We will play mostly the same team on the same system. However, the new rules may affect us a bit. All the players will have to work really hard to ensure the success,” added the Police mentor.
Police middle player Chigbo commented about the match: “It is an honour to figure in this match. We are looking forward to this game in the new QVA hall.
“The match is expected to be good, challenging and fighting. As the League champions, we’ve a lot at stake and prove ourselves.”
The Danish pro of Police, Ditlevsen, said, “Al Rayyan are tough and our team will have to do its best to win the strong match tomorrow.”
Al Rayyan Club manager Ishaq also stressed on his team’s good preparation for the new season. “Al Rayyan underwent an extensive work-out for three months in order to be in top shape for the Super Cup and the new season. This is the first official match of the 2017-18 term and we’d like to be on the top of it.”
“We’ve got a good player in Ivan. Also we have the national team setter (Milos Stevanovic). We also have a good contract with a Columbian player. Hopefully, other players in the group will be able to combine well and put up a good show while trying to win the Super Cup against the odds.”
His coach Schwanke said his team needed some more time to be at the level of Police. “I know Police. They are a tough side. We wish to be at the same level of Police and hope to make a good match tomorrow.”
Waleed, who was injured last season on the national duty, is fit again and raring to go. “Al Rayyan are ready. We’ve many youngsters in the team this year. We could not win against Al Arabi previously but we’ve the drive to win the cup. However, the match will not be an easy one for either side.”
Serbian player Borounjak was thrilled about his first season in Qatar and was ready for the first big test against Police. “This is my first season in Qatar. I arrived here only a couple of days before. We’ll fight for every ball in the match tomorrow.”