Qatar Basketball

Unbeaten Jaish aim to gift League trophy to b’ball head

Former champions El Jaish don’t want to spoil birthday of their head when they clash with nearest challengers Al Gharafa Club in the QBF League’s last match at the latter’s home on Friday.

El Jaish’s basketball boss Mohammad al Obaidly is having his birthday on March 3 and his players are more than keen to continue their unbeaten streak and gift the trophy to him.

In 2007-08, the army team had won their only League crown and ever since, they had been impatiently waiting for another title. This season, they are in the pole position to claim the League’s top honours as they have clinched all the 17 matches so far.

However, their rivals Al Gharafa Club, who had also emerged the League winners in the memorable 2013-14 season in which they had clean-swept all the three domestic titles, are not an easy pie.

Al Gharafa are boasting a 16-1 win-loss record. Their only defeat was against El Jaish when they were beaten 78-87 with point guard Dominic James Davon netting a match-high 35 points.

During a press conference at the QBF Headquarters in Al Gharafa on Wednesday, El Jaish point guard Fadi Hani Abilmona, coach Hatem Mamlouk and manager Khalid al Mohannadi were present and they said the team was focused and determined on presenting Obaidly with the League trophy.

“Obaidly has been the driving force behind El Jaish basketball team. He has worked hard on building the team for 11 years. His main focus has been the League. He has really taken a good care of us always.

“On Friday, his birthday is coinciding with the match against Al Gharafa, we would like to finish the League unbeaten and repay him with the winner’s trophy for whatever he has done for us,” said Abilmona.

“We’re targeting the title, which will be second for us. If it comes with the victory on Friday, it is fine. If we need a play-off to get it, it is still fine. We just want the League trophy.

“We know the task is not easy. Al Gharafa Club are also a difficult side. Just like us, they have been consistent. After we had beaten them in the third match, they have been undefeated for 14 matches. We respect them and it would be an interesting match on Friday,” added the player.

Al Gharafa were represented in the media meeting by centre Omar Abdelkader Salem, coach Koussay Hatem and manager Saleh Mabrouk.

Al Gharafa, who did not have a good League last season as they finished fourth, are raring to make amends. “We’ve prepared the hard way for the season. If we’re to become the champions, we need two matches to do that. Our task is certainly tough but not impossible,” added Salem.

If Al Gharafa win the Friday’s game, the teams would play a play-off on Tuesday at 6 pm to determine the champions.