Al Duhail’s Homam Ahmed trains under the watchful eye of coach Djamel Belmadi during a session at Lusail Stadium.
DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) clubs have concluded their overseas training camps and are now finalising preparations at home ahead of the new season, which kicks off on August 14.
Defending champions Al Sadd, coached by Felix Sanchez, trained in Spain, where they played four friendlies and integrated several new signings.
The Wolves will host Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in a friendly at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday before starting their title defence against Qatar SC at the same venue on August 16.
Al Rayyan have resumed domestic training following their pre-season camp in Spain.
Last season’s runners-up Al Duhail held their camp in the Netherlands, playing four friendlies under new coach Djamel Belmadi. The Red Knights are currently focused on Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Elite play-off against Iran’s Sepahan at Khalifa International Stadium.
They will face Al Shahania at the same venue in their QSL opener four days later.
Al Gharafa, led by Pedro Martins, trained in Slovakia, playing five friendlies.
Last season’s third-place finishers and Amir Cup winners are now in the final phase of their preparations.
Al Ahli returned from a three-week camp in the Netherlands under Croatian coach Igor Biscan, where they played four friendlies. They continue training in Doha ahead of their August 14 opener against Al Shamal.
Al Rayyan conducted an extended training camp in Spain and will face Al Sailiya in the league's opening match at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Al Arabi also trained in Spain, playing four friendlies, and will meet Al Wakrah, who held their pre-season camp in the same country, in their first match.
Al Shahania, who finished in seventh place last season, trained in Austria, playing three friendlies. Al Shamal camped in the Netherlands, while newly-promoted Al Sailiya prepared in Slovenia.
The opening round of the QSL will conclude on August 16. The first three rounds have been scheduled, with all matches to be played in air-conditioned stadiums.
Fixtures for the remaining rounds will be confirmed after the draws for the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2, Gulf Club Champions League, and the national team calendar.
