Yousuf Ahmed Kano, Assistant Secretary General, (centre) of Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA), QVA Technical Director Hussain Imam (fourth left) along with other QVA officials pose for a picture with Police coach Selim Bouhala (sixth left), Al Rayyan coach Ljubomir Travica (fifth right) and Al Rayyan captain Osman Ajab (back row right) during the Emir Cup pre-match press conference, yesterday.
BY DENZIL PINTO
DOHA: Al Rayyan coach Ljubomir Travica said his team is wary of Police when his side meet the surprise finalists in the Volleyball Emir Cup final today.
Police, who had to go through the qualifying stages to reach the proper round in this year’s campaign, have surprised many teams including former champions Al Arabi in the semi-finals to reach their third Emir Cup final.
Travica said in a pre-match press conference yesterday: “I and my team are very happy to play such an important Cup final tomorrow (today). Police have played very well in the competition and for sure it will be a difficult match for my team.”
Both teams have already met in the group stage with Al Rayyan winning 3-1 (25-21, 25-16, 18-25, 25-18) in the opening match.
However, Travica admits that match was history and said he was surprised how fast Police have improved as well as their depth in the squad.
“The first match and the last match (semi-final) that I saw, there has been a massive difference to how they (Police) played. They have depth in their team. But my team has also been playing well. My players will have to be at their best to win the tournament,” said Travica, who guided the defending champions to their 23rd Emir Cup final courtesy of a 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-22, 25-22) victory over Al Ahli.
When asked if he expected Police to be in the final, he replied: “Everyone thought it would be Al Rayyan and Al Arabi in the final. Police have played very well so far in this competition. We have strong players and so do they and I think that could be the difference tomorrow (today).”
Al Rayyan captain Osman Ajab insists his team are focused on ending the season on a high. Ajab said: “All the games were difficult (during the tournament). Tomorrow (today) will be different because it’s the final. I hope and want my team to be at their best.”
He added: “We are not thinking about them (Police).”
When asked about the threats his side could face, he said: “We are only thinking about this final. We want to play well to win this Cup. We are not thinking about Police.”
Ajab did admit that his side will have to be on top in dominating the match. “We will think of the system that they could play. We are not just thinking about one or two players that they have. If we can control their system we can beat them,” he said.
Police coach Selim Bouhala said his team are confident ahead of the final.
Bouhala said: “This is not the first time we have taken part in a final. We advanced by beating Al Arabi who are a strong side as well as being former champions. We are confident of doing well in the final.”
Moses, of Police, said he is keen to continue their impressive form. “We are very happy to reach this final after playing some good volleyball in our matches. We will try out best and the people in the stadium our best volleyball which would win the Cup for the club,” he said.
The winners of today’s final will go home richer by QR500,000 while the runners-up will pick up a cheque of QR250,000.
There will also be prizes for the spectators at Al Arabi Stadium, with air tickets to Egpyt, Phillippines, Sudan, Nepal and India. Other prizes include mobile phones and dinner meals at Radisson Blu Hotels and Grand Regency. THE PENINSULA
