Umm Salal striker Mounir El Hamdaoui is looking forward to the challenge of his sides upcoming QSL match of the week clash against Lekhwiya.  QSL online sat down with the former Florentina striker man to catch up on life at the Orange Fortress.

What do you think about the next game against Lekhwiya?
Lekhwiya are going to be a tough test for us. For now, they are still QSL champions and this represents a big game for Umm Salal.

Can Umm Salal beat Lekhwiya, like they did in the first leg?
Well I wasn’t with Umm Salal for the first match of the season, so I don’t know the exact details of the game. However it was a huge result for the team, and we have confidence in pulling off a similar result.

What special Qualities does Umm Salal have?
I believe we have a great team spirit.  Umm Salal have been preforming well recently, that is down to the bond with the players and the coaching staff. Everyone is working hard to push this club in the right direction.

Can Umm Salal finish in the top 4 places?
This has been the aim of the side from the very start of the season. We will go into the next games with the same clear aim, to get as many points as possible and force our way into the Top 4 places.

Did you expect to score a hat-trick against Al Gharafa in the previous Round 20?
I certainly didn’t expect it, but it was a good thing for me and the team. This was s my fourth hat-trick in my professional career and I am thrilled for scoring my first hat-trick in the QSL. I always seek to help my team in all our matches.

How do you think you will fare against the Lekhwiya defence?
Lekhwiya are a very strong and well organized team. Most of their players are internationals. But do we have quality players to beat Lekhwiya.

What is your ambition as a team this season?
Our ambition is finish this season among the top 4, taking into consideration that only few rounds left of the QSL campaign.

What is your personal ambition with the team?
Definitely to help the team do the best they possibly can in the league and cup competitions. I am so happy to be with Umm Salal, and I hope to achieve success with this club.