Al Rayyan players and officials celebrate after receiving the League trophy from Qatar Basketball Association President Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb following their win over Al Shamal, on Saturday.
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan coach Koufos Stergios hailed his team’s 18th Qatar Basketball League title win after they defeated Al Shamal in the final at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall on Saturday, praising players for their efforts despite a challenging season.
Al Rayyan overcame Al Shamal 75-68 thanks to a brilliant team effort led by Malik Romero Curry and Tahjon Komar Starks, as they thwarted their opponents’ attempt to secure a third title in the league.
Curry scored 13 points and made 10 rebounds as well as nine assists while Starks made a huge contribution to their score by adding 30, including a triple three pointers. He also made three rebounds and three assists on the way to Al Rayyan’s first title victory of the season.
The 58-year-old Greek tactician noted that his team’s victory was not coincidental but the result of efforts made by the club’s board of directors, administrative and technical staff, and players.
Stergios commended the players’ fighting spirit throughout the season in which they came across various difficult circumstances, including absences and injuries.
He said the team had the services of talented young players who played a significant role in taking the team towards title glory, and will be determined to repeat their heroics at the upcoming Amir Cup basketball tournament.
Malik Salim, the captain of the team, expressed his joy at winning the 18th title in the club’s history, and acknowledged the team’s strong performance throughout the league. Salim highlighted that their league win was the first since the 2015-2016 season. Salim stated that Al Rayyan’s ambitions were high this season and noted that they are aiming to win the Amir Cup and make it a double as they look to restore the Club’s pride.
Meanwhile, former Qatar international and head of the basketball at Al Rayyan Club Yasseen Ismail also expressed his joy, emphasising that the team deserved the title. Ismail declared the team’s full readiness to compete in the Amir Cup and determination to win the precious title.
Qatar Basketball Association President Mohammed Saad Al Mughaiseeb congratulated the team on their title win and handed over the trophies and medals to the players on Saturday. Al Mughaiseeb stated that Al Rayyan’s return to the podium would contribute to raising the game’s level.
The Amir Cup tournament kicks off tomorrow.
