Al Gharafa stalwart expects tough test against Al Ahli

Al Gharafa central defender Bilal Mohammed things that his side has an important season ahead, and believes that starts with the first QSL match of the week for the 2016/2017 season when Al Ahli take on Al Gharafa. Bilal spoke with QSL online on the sidelines of the recent club media day to get his thoughts on the clash.

“Gharafa are more than prepared to make a big impact on the league, I can feel it will be a special season for us” confessed the 30 year old defender.  The former Qatar international also believes that a first preseason with head coach Pedro Caixinha will benefit the side; “Our preseason was very well planned and prepared that is a real credit to the coaching team at Gharafa. The whole squad worked really hard and now is prepared to get the season started.”

With talk turning to the upcoming clash against Al Ahli, Bilal believes that Al Gharafa’s first opponents of the season will be no pushovers. “The first match will not be easy, Ahli finished last season strongly and will prove to be a physical encounter. Gharafa and Ahli always have exciting games and I expect this one to be exactly the same.”

Heading into the season Al Gharafa are going with the international quartet of Kooky Han, Vladimir Weiss, Krisztián Németh and Yassine Chikhaoui players who Bilal believes will make an impact for the Cheetahs this term.  “I think that our professionals could be the best I have worked with whilst with the club, they all work so hard in training and that shows in games also. I believe they will be the key if Gharafa are to reach the top four.”

Concluding our interview and Bilal assured that he is also at full fitness following a long term spell on the sidelines at the end of last season. “ I went to America for a three week stint of rehab, thankfully my injury has fully cleared up and now I am looking forward to achieving big things with Gharafa this season.

Al Ahli take on Al Gharafa in the opening match of the 2016/2017 QSL season. You can buy tickets of the match here.