January signings crucial in Sailiya’s escape from the drop

Al Sailiya is next side under the spotlight as we look at the progress of the teams in the QSL during the international break.  The 2016/2017 QSL season, has been one of two halves for the Peregrines with the first half certainly being one to forget for the Peregrines. Thankfully after some savvy buys in the January transfer window revived the fortunes of the side, with Sami Trabelsi’s side now comfortably away from the drop zone.

Currently Al Sailiya is in eleventh place in the QSL standings, five points away from the relegation play-off place. At this late stage in the season, it would take a loss of form and relegation rivals to register big wins if Sailiya are to drop into the Qatar Gas League.

Al Sailiya made a slow start to the new season, only registering two points from their opening six QSL games. Despite calls for long-term coach Sami Trabelsi to be sacked, the Tunisian manager turned it around with victories against sides around them in the league with wins over Muaither, Al Kharaitiyat and a draw with Al Ahli over the course of November and December.

Come January, and Sailiya overhauled their squad making no less than seven January signings including three professionals to boost the side. Since then Sailiya’s form has improved greatly, grabbing four wins and two draws which has helped them haul themselves out of trouble. Uzbekistan based striker Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov has been the stand out signing, with his contribution of four goals in seven QSL games being vital to the Sailiya cause.

To date, Al Sailiya has picked up seven wins, five draws and eleven defeats in the league season. Whilst the recent form has been good for the side with two wins and a draw in their last five games, along with a big 3-2 win over Al Gharafa,  this form will be crucial are to avoid the dreaded drop to the Qatar Gas League.  

Sailiya can confirm their status for another season if they can pick up another victory from the remaining three games of the season. First up will be Muaither, a side they have defeated early on in the campaign, followed up with a match against title chasing Al Sadd. Sami’s Trabelsi’s side end the season against rock-bottom Al Wakrah, with two games against relegation threatened sides the Peregrines will be confident they can survive relegation.