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Tribune News Network
DOHA
The new Qatar volleyball season is just a day away and Al Rayyan Club will defend one of their many titles the Super Cup - which they won last season.
With renewed energy and strategy under coach Carlos Schwanke, The Lions will face Police in the event, played traditionally between the League champions and the Amir Cup winner.
In the past season, Al Rayyan had won both the titles, along with the Super Cup, the prestigious Arab Clubs Championship, the Qatar National Tournament and the Qatar Cup. Police qualified for this year's Super Cup due to their runner-up finish in the League.
In the Super Cup last season, the same teams had clashed with Al Rayyan coming back from one set down to win the match 3-1. It set up the team's rare clean sweep of various honours.
Al Rayyan have roped in Russian professional Alexander Petrov, a 31-year-old wing spiker from Fakel Novy Urengoy Club. Police went to Finland and signed up a national team player in Mikko Oivanen. The 32-year-old Finnish player was the best spiker and best scorer in the European League and is playing currently for Greek club Olympiacos Piraeos.
During a press conference, both teams were present with their coaches, captains and professional players. QVA Board Member Saeed Salem Bukheit and Technical Director Hussein Imam Ali also attended the conference.
After raising the bar so high in the last season, Al Rayyan would be required to work harder and show consistency to match the same level of play. Their coach and players sound upbeat ahead of the new season.
For Police coach Damian Arredondo and his team, the new season poses a lot of challenges, including the threat of Al Rayyan and Al Arabi. It will be interesting to see how he and his bunch of players, led by John Chigbo rise to the challenge.
