Al Rayyan’s Rodrigo Tabata (second left) train along with team-mates as new coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena (second right) looks on during a training session in Doha, yesterday.
DOHA: Soon after returning from Europe following a vigorous training tour, Al Rayyan, yesterday hit the training pitch ahead of the their season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup clash against Al Duhail on August 1.
The 2015-16 QNB Stars League (QSL) champions travelled to Austria for a pre-season training camp that lasted for over a couple of weeks. The team also played friendly games during their sojourn which included an hectic training schedule.
But, Al Rayyan players showed no sign of tiredness as they immediately resumed their training at home after their return.
Al Rayyan endured a barren 2017-18 season in which they failed to clinch a single trophy under popular coach Michael Laudrup. The Lions, under new coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena of Argentina are targeting success in the new season.
The Lions have already shown form during their Austrian tour on which they also defeated Czech side SC Znojmo 2-0 on Wednesday - their last friendly match of the tour. Star Rodrigo Tabata and Muwafaq netted goals in the win.
However, beating Al Duhail, who clinched three titles last season, will be an uphill task for the former QSL champions. The match will be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium - the home turf of Al Sadd.
Meanwhile, key security matters and overall organisation for the highly-anticipated match were discussed at the QFA headquarters recently.
The meeting was chaired by Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communication at QFA, and attended by Hussain Al Sharshani, Ali Sher and Ziad Al Shammari, officials of the two teams and representatives of the security agencies.
It was decided that Al Duhail fans will get to walk into the venue via gates 6 and 7 while supporters of Al Rayyan can enter through gates 4 and 5. People with special needs will have access through the family entrance at gate 3. The gates will be opened at 5:00pm, it was confirmed.
Al Kass Sports Channel, meanwhile, has completed all arrangements to cover the game live. A total of 15 cameras will be used for the live feed across the country.
