Students of Omar Bin Al Khattab Independent School pose with Heir Apparent Cup football trophy.


By Sports Reporter/Doha


The Heir Apparent Cup Trophy Tour has kicked into full-swing as Saturday’s final between Al Sadd and Lekhwiya approaches.
Since the line-up was confirmed for the glamour finale to this prestigious tournament, the Heir Apparent Cup has been taken to all different parts of the community to tap into the excitement in Qatar.
Those events will continue as the glamour final at Al Sadd Stadium between the league champions and runners-up gets closer.
And Abdulrahman al-Dosari, Chief of Commercial for QSL, admitted the events were helping whip up a wave of excitement before the big kick-off.
He said: “The reaction to the Heir Apparent Trophy Tour up until this point has been fantastic. This tournament is special to the people of Qatar and they enjoy seeing the trophy and having the chance to hold it for themselves. The final is getting close now, which is why we are working hard to take the cup all over Doha.
“We have a lot planned between now and Saturday. The special train tour at Katara is a wonderful way for families to have fun and join in the excitement.
“We have also been proud to involve ExxonMobil in the trophy tour, the exclusive sponsors of the Heir Apparent Cup.
“We also took the trophy to our other crucial sponsors, including QNB, Ooredoo and AAB Toyota.
“I would urge anyone who wants to come out and support us to keep up to date with the news and details of the Trophy Tour. It is an experience not to be missed.”
On Sunday the trophy was taken to the headquarters of Ooredoo, one of the main sponsors of the Qatar Stars League, as staff posed with the coveted award. Following the visit to the telecommunications firm, the next stop was to AAB Toyota, another major sponsor of the Qatar Stars League.
The longer the week continues, the more intense the preparations will become. And yesterday morning the students at Omar Khattab School enjoyed an early morning treat when the Heir Apparent Cup trophy tour stopped by, delivered by exclusive sponsors ExxonMobil.
The pupils took a break from their studies for the chance to hold the coveted trophy ahead of this weekend’s final between Al Sadd and Lekhwiya. They were also wowed by the giant replica that has been touring Doha all week.
The Heir Apparent Cup – sponsored exclusively by ExxonMobil – is one of the most prestigious tournaments in Qatar. The Qatar Stars League were honoured to allow these young football fans the chance to get close to the cup that will be presented by HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani this weekend.
Hassan Abdulaziz, sports teacher at Omar Bin Khatab School, said: “This is a great privilege for these students to see the trophy.
“The Heir Apparent Cup is so special because of Sheikh Tamim. We love the chance to be in the same stadium as him and pay our respects.
“This tournament shows that Qataris love football. We are all passionate about the sport.
“I will be going to the game, although I am a Gharafa fan and I’m sad my team won’t be there.
“However, it is an excellent event and I will probably support Lekhwiya.”
One of the students who got close to the trophy was Khalid Abullah, an Al Sadd fan who can’t wait for Saturday’s cup final. He said: “This is a great trophy and it is wonderful to have it at school today so we can touch it.
“I think everyone is excited about the game. I am an Al Sadd fan and I can’t wait for kick-off.”
Following the events in the morning, the trophy arrived at Katara as the Heir Apparent Cup Dream Train rides began its journey.
Children and families of all ages got the chance to hop on the train as it shuttled up and down Katara with the trophy.
Star-struck fans also got the chance to meet their heroes from Al Sadd and Lekhwiya, who turned up to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
There are even more events planned for this week as the build-up to Saturday’s final reaches full speed.