Former champions Al Gharafa will be relying on their existing bunch of players in the new QNB Stars League season that kicks off in August. 

Al Gharafa did not sign any new players in the summer but with the presence of European football star Dutchman Wesley Sneijder, Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi and Portuguese midfielder Diego Amado, the Cheetahs look set for a fighting season.

Sneijder, who was roped in during last season's transfer window, clearly made an impact as Al Gharafa ended the season in fourth spot behind Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan.  

Slovak striker Vladimir Weiss did not renew his contract for the new season but Al Gharafa looks set for another robust season knowing a top-four would help the club reach the Qatar Cup next year.

Al Gharafa, who have retained all their players from the last season, have allowed Asim Madibo to return to his former team Al-Duhail after the end of his loan deal.

Al Gharafa's squad includes a large number of young players who have been given the opportunity to play for the team last season. The young lost is expected to have a greater chance of playing in the new season, especially after outstanding performances by Osman Elhari and Alaa. 

The team is hoping that new coach Christian Gourcuff - who replaced Bulent Uygun - will take the team forward as Al Gharafa continue to build a young side for the future.

The team has not won a title in a few years and coach Gourcuff will be the man to lead the side to trophies in the new season. The last time Al Gharafa wont the title was in 2010.

To be able to prepare for the start of the new QNB Stars League season, Al Gharafa are set for a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands. The team will play a number of friendly matches during the camp, which will help Gourcuff work on his starting lineup.

Al Gharafa will be seen in action on August 4 in a match against Qatar SC at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.