Alkass Digital
Al Sadd coach Wesam Rizik has hailed his players for their outstanding run throughout the season that lent them the coveted Expo Stars League (ESL) title on Wednesday.
The Wolves outclassed Al Shamal 4-0 to seal the record-extending 17th triumph in the top flight with one match remaining, having registered 15 wins and four draws in 21 matches.
“It’s an incomparable feeling and a special moment for me to be crowned with my team with the well-deserved Falcon Shield. I thank the players for the efforts they made throughout the season and the technical, administrative and medical staff,” said Rizik.
But the mission is not accomplished for the Al Sadd coach with the Qatar Cup and the prestigious Amir Cup coming up next.
“We have a winning mentality and we compete for the titles. Now we will have more challenges in Qatar Cup and especially the Amir Cup,” he said.
The Qatar Cup featuring top four ESL clubs will commence on May 1 while the 52nd Amir Cup kicks off today with preliminary round comprising Second Division sides. Following the stage, the draw for the highly-anticipated tournament, played on knockout system from the Round of 16, will take place on Monday.
Meanwhile, Akram Afif, who is the leading scorer this ESL season with 26 goals, credited team effort for the title win.
“Winning the league was a result of the efforts of an entire season, where the team performed at a high level. There’s no doubt that it’s an exceptional and special achievement in Al Sadd’s journey during the current season, in which there were determination and desire to achieve the title,” the Qatar star said.
Qatar’s legendary Hassan Al Haydous said consistent performance helped the side in achieving the tough task.
“Winning the league this season was a challenge for us and we, as players, were so keen from the beginning of the season to regain the league shield. Winning the shield was not an easy matter, but we went into every match wanting to win it.”
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham said Al Sadd will stay focused for the upcoming challenges as he thanked fans for their all-out support.
“Our focus from the beginning was to win the shield and the team played in a high, collective spirit. We also have important upcoming obligations and players did not fall short during the season. The team played collectively and this is what helped us make it big.”