Defending Qatar Stars League champions Al Rayyan have confirmed that club captain Rodrigo Tabata has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club. Al Rayyan revealed the news via their official social media accounts, confirming that the playmaker will now be under contract with the club till the summer of 2020.
The news of Tabata signing the contract will be a major boost for Rayyan, with the Qatar international striker considered one of the side’s most consistent players in recent years for the side. The veteran midfielder is currently the Lions leading scorer this season with sixteen goals, and played a considerable part in Al Rayyan lifting their first QSL falcon shield in twenty one year’s last season, winning the QFA Player of the year award in the process. Meanwhile, Rayyan began preparations for the AFC Champions League clash against Persepolis which is set to take place next Tuesday, 14th of March, at Al Sadd stadium. Head coach Michael Laudrup oversaw his side training for the first time following Rayyan’s 4-0 win over Al Wakrah in round 23 of the QSL season.

?Lekhwiya begin Champions League preparations
Current QSL league leaders Lekhwiya have returned to training ahead of their crunch AFC Champions League clash against Iranian side Esteghlal Khuzestan. Djamel Belmadi’s side is set to take on the Persian Gulf Pro League side on Tuesday the 14th of March, away from home in what promises to be a stern test for the Red Knights. Esteghlal are currently top of B after picking up two wins from their opening two games of the campaign.
Lekhwiya will be heading into the game on a high, as they regained top-spot in the QSL standings following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Al Kharaitiyat in round 23 of the QSL season.

Kharaitiyat only looking up the table
Al Kharaitiyat defender Mohammed Salam insists that his side is looking forward to the final three games of the QSL season as a good opportunity for the Thunders to pull further away from the relegation zone.
Salam stressed that his side are firmly aiming to push further up the QSL standings. “We have two big objectives, from the last games of the season the first of which is staying in the Qatar Stars League, while the second is to finish as high as possible in the QSL standings.”
“Kharaitiyat has suffered this season for a number of reasons, the main reason has to be the change of our professional players, who have failed to settle properly at the club,” noted the defender when asked about his sides form in the league.
The QSL is taking a three week break for international football, and Salam is sure that can only benefit his side. “The break will help the side, it gives us a chance to rest and refocus for the last push in the league. It’s also a good opportunity for us to make sure all of our players are fit and fresh for these big three games.”
 “We are still one of the teams in the bottom of the league table, but we are all very confident that we can get away from trouble, now we need to double our efforts in the final games.”