Al Kharaitiyat coach Rachid Tiberkanine spoke to the media ahead of their Play-Off match against Al Shahania, for a place in 2026-2027 Doha Bank Stars League.

“This is the most important stage in Al Kharaitiyat’s journey this season. The team has strived since the beginning of the season to achieve direct promotion to the First Division, and while we were unsuccessful in reaching that goal, hope remains that we can crown our efforts throughout the season with a victory and promotion to the First Division. Preparations are going on well. We have focused on the psychological aspects as much as the tactical ones, because matches like these are decided by small details, composure and avoiding mistakes.

“Al Shahania are a well-organized team with good players and we respect them greatly. We know the task will not be easy, and both teams have legitimate ambitions. We have faith in our abilities and the fighting spirit of our players,” said Tiberkanine.

Al Kharaitiyat player Ayoub Qasmi said, “We will face Al Shahaniya with a winning mentality, and our team is ready for this decisive match, which is a great opportunity for Al Kharaitiyat to prove that we deserve to be among the elite.

“The team is ready for the match and has high ambitions to achieve the promotion dream that the entire club system – management, coaching staff, football department and players – is striving for.”