Al Rayyan to clash with Police for Super Cup title

Super Cup features the winners of the QVA League and Emir Cup in a one-off match

Al Rayyan are keen to win their first Super Cup volleyball title in their fourth attempt today at the renovated Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) headquarters.
But their rivals Police, buoyed by their first Qatar league title last season, are looking to add to their trophy cabinet on their first appearance in the tournament.
“We are very keen to win the title which is eluding us for the last three years,” Al Rayyan’s Brazilian coach Carlos Schwanke said while addressing a press conference yesterday.
Super Cup features the winners of the QVA League and Emir Cup in a one-off match since its inception in 2014. Police had won the league last season and Al Rayyan are the Emir Cup champions. In the last three years Rayyan were defeated by Qatar giants Al Arabi.
“It will be a tough match as Police are a well-settled team after their last year’s performance but we are also ready for the show after intensely training for months,” the Brazilian said.  
Qatar national team player and Rayyan’s senior star Mubarak Dahi Waleed was also confident of a good show against Police.
“We have appeared in the last three editions of the event but unfortunately failed to clinch the cup. This time we are determined put up a good show and win the title on the renovated court,” Waleed said.
Rayyan are also powered by their new professional player Ivan Borounjak from Serbia.
“This is my first time in Qatar and I am looking forward to the event. I hope Rayyan will play to their potential and win the cup,” Borounjak said.
Police team coach Damian Arredondo is very much aware of the tough task they have on their hands.
“I am sure it will be a very tough match against Rayyan. They have an experienced side, but we have our plans and hope to win the title in our first appearance,” Arredondo said.
“We are preparing for the tournament since last three months and we are a happy to play in the event and ready to grab the title opportunity,” he said.
Al Rayyan manager Ali Ishaq, Police team’s professional player from Denmark Mads Ditlevsen, his teammate John Chigbo and their manager Rashid were also present during the press conference.
“We are happy to be in the final. It is an important game and will be a tough one. It’s a one-off title match. I hope tomorrow will be a good day for us,” Ditlevsen said.
In a new experiment, the QVA recently held the draws for league rankings for the first time. This novel step has been taken to remedy the grievances of smaller clubs.
Reigning champions Police have got the top billing for the league, while Al Shamal secured the second spot and Al Wakrah third. Al Arabi Club and Al Rayyan Club got the seventh and ninth rankings, respectively.
The league will start from November 20.