18 Jan 2017
Doha, 18 January 2017. The sixth edition of Al Kass International Cup will run from 21 to 31 January at Aspire Academy. Hosts Aspire Academy U-17 team, under the guidance of coach Bruno Pinheiro have stepped up preparations ahead of their opening match on Sunday 22nd against Raja Casablanca from Morocco. The Moroccan side along with FC Bayern Munich, AS Roma, Eintracht Frankfurt and PSV Eindhoven will be making their debut at the prestigious Al Kass International Cup tournament. This year’s tournament brings about a much welcome element of “the unknown quantity” as five of the 12 teams will be appearing for the first time throwing in a good mix with the seven returning sides.
Aspire Academy U-17 warmed up for the Cup competition with two games in the Tri-Series tournament and coach Bruno Pinheiro said afterwards, “Our preparations for Al-Kass tournament have been boasted a lot by engaging these two different sides in Buriram United and Sporting club of Portugal. I am pleased with the challenge from each and how we were able to respond. Of course we could do with more time to polish up and fine tune ahead of Al-Kass tournament where we will face stiff competition from top teams but l am encouraged but what l saw from the boys during this Tri-Series tournament. It doesn’t get any tougher than playing Sporting club of Portugal and we learnt a lot about where we are with our preparations from our loss to Sporting and we were able to bounce back and create as well as put away chances against Buriram, l am pleased with the targets we set out to achieve from this match. Now between now and the 21st January when Al-Kass Cup starts we continue to train hard and consolidate the work we have done in readiness for Al- Kass Cup.”
Organised by Al Kass Sports Channels in collaboration with Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) and Qatar Football Association (QFA), the Al Kass International Cup 2017 has been growing in stature over the years and now ranks among the world’s top youth tournaments. The international football championship brings together some of the world’s top Under-17 teams to compete in the riveting annual tournament. Celebrating its sixth year, the Al Kass International Cup aims to nurture a passion for football in Qatar and the region by offering up an 11-day action-packed competition that seeks to propel the country to the forefront of sporting excellence and leadership.
The Al Kass International Cup has established itself as a key international football event that supports Qatar’s vision and contributes to building on the foundations of a proud footballing nation leading up to the World Cup in 2022, and beyond. Furthermore, the world class tournament promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among youth through the game of football.
Find out more on: http://internationalcup.alkass.net