Qatar SC can take pride in the fact that they succeeded in staying in the top flight after much struggle, especially in the first phase, in the QNB Stars League.

Qatar SC had secured their position in next season’s First Division ahead of their Week 21 match against Al Kharaitiyat, so the 2-3 loss did not actually affect them.

Qatar SC’s achievement is commendable, for they were back in the top flight after spending a season in the Second Division. After defeating Al Shahania in play-off and thus qualifying for the QNB Stars League, The Kings found it hard initially under Argentinian coach Gabriel Calderon despite the great efforts taken by the club management to support the team with professional and local players.

The side did not have stability in terms of performance and a spate of negative results followed. Defeats came one after the other and the team management, headed by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Nasser Al Thani, decided enough was enough. Calderon was replaced with Qatari coach Abdullah Mubarak, who had helped them return to the top flight.

Also, the management continued to support the squad with some new players in the winter transfer window, especially after witnessing big improvement under Abdullah.

They replaced three professional players and in came Syrian striker Osama Omari, Brazilian forward Patrick Fabiano and Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez in place of Mohamed Tayebi, Habib Habibou and Michael Babatunde.

It may be recalled that Babatunde had helped Qatar SC earn promotion.

They only retained the services of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Gallo. Qatari players such as Omar Al Emadi, Ali Jassemi, Rajab Hamza, Fahad Khalfan, Abdel Rahman Abkar and Jassem Al Hail served them well.

The players who joined the team in January presented good performances and contributed towards their positive results.

Qatar SC are currently ninth with 22 points, from six wins, four draws and 11 defeats. They have scored 24 goals while conceding 43.

Their last QNB Stars League fixture is against Al Gharafa.