DOHA, 13 December 2006 — Bring on China. Their confidence sky-high after the stunning straight sets quarterfinal victory over Asian champion Japan, Saudi Arabia meet China in the Asian Games volleyball semifinal today at the Al-Rayyan Indoor Hall.
The match is set for 2 p.m. with winners advancing to a final showdown against either host Qatar of Korea, who play each other in the other semifinal contest at 8 p.m.
Never in the history of the Asiad has a Saudi team reached the knockout stage of the volleyball competition and team manager Saleh Al-Qasem was so elated with the performance of his charges he is ready to quit his post at the end of the tournament.
“My decision to quit was in no way connected to winning or losing the China match. I am happy and satisfied with what my team reached so far even if they did not beat China,” Al-Qasem said.
He said former national team assistant coach Munir Al-Humaidan is offering financial reward to the players for their success.
“This team is a very motivated and ambitious team and for me to give them what they want I have to work on myself more and improve my knowledge and expertise via attending some courses and workshops in Europe,” he said.
A well-credentialed coach Al-Qasem has some 32 international certificates and the whole team appreciate his efforts as a team manager and coach. He said that there is no intention of joining any club for the meantime though he received offers. If the national team needed his expertise and experience in future he will “not hesitate to help my country’s national team and will be there for them as I always did for sure.” “My country always comes first.”
