: Al Shahniya will appear in the QNB Stars League battle for the third time in their history. This time the Second Division winners will be eager to not only survive but perform better than they have in the past. 

Al Shahaniya got relegated at the end of the 2016-17 season and then fought back in style to get another chance to feature in the new coming season that begins in a few weeks.

The first time Al Shahaniya appeared in the QNB Stars League was when they reach the top tier in the 2014-15 season.

With experience of having played in the QNB Stars League previously, Al Shahaniya management would be confident of a better show in the new football season.

Uruguayan coach Jose Mauricio will be managing the side in the new season. Mauricio was at the helm when Al Shahaniya battled their way to the top tier last season.

Al Shahaniya also retained their four overseas players from the last season: Awad, Alvaro, Claudio and Casey. Al Shahaniya have signed Mohammed Fathi and Abdul Mageed in the off-season.

Currently based in Turkey for their pre-season training camp, Al Shahaniya are moving ahead full steam for the new season. The Turkish camp - which will include three friendlies - will end on July 25.

Al Shahaniya's task is cut - they need to battle hard and survive the tricky challenges against the top sides in Qatar. 

Al Shahaniya open the new season with a match against Al Duhail on August 5 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.