Ghanaian midfielder Richard Donkor, captain of last year’s runners-up, Doha Pest Control, has been appointed captain of his side for the seventh edition of the Workers’ Cup in Qatar.
The annual football tournament organised by the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and sponsored by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) for the 2022 hosting of the World Cup in Qatar is organised to provide workers in the country to experience football with meridianbet review offering decent odds for such matches.
The tournament that kicked off on Friday, 7 December 2018 at Al Sadd Sports Club is also aimed at improving the welfare of workers and provide them with entertainment while working in the country that is preparing to host in world in four years' time.
The title will be contested by a number of companies who have direct links to the Local Organising Committee and its flagship legacy programme, Generation Amazing.
More than 600 players are expected to take to the field during the event, including current and former contractors engaged on 2022 FIFA World Cup construction projects.
Matches for the 2019 tournament will be played every Friday at Al Sadd Sports Club until the showpiece final on 25 January.
The LOC of the 2022 World Cup, also called Supreme Committee, has made general admission to the final is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
More than 15,000 people attended last year’s matches, with the final being watched by 8,000 fans which has sparked excitement among the workers who will be playing in the tournament.
“The tournament gives a platform for our players to showcase their talents and enjoy themselves," speaking at the draw, Richard Donkor, captain of last year’s runners-up, Doha Pest Control, said.
"We enjoy a real sense of harmony and unity when we play together and we hope to go one step further this time around.”
Akram Al Hamdawi, captain of last year’s winners, Nakheel Landscapes is hoping they retain their title but he is keen on the motives for the setting up for the competition.
“Taking part in the Workers’ Cup gives all of us a chance to enjoy the magical spirit of football," Al Hamdawi said.
“Nothing unites people like football and winning the competition last year brought the management and workers closer together.”
The draw for the 2019 tournament was conducted at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel in Aspire Park, where SC and QSL representatives were joined by the captains and coaches of last year’s finalists.
Speaking after the draw, Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications at the QSL, said, “Yet another Workers’ Cup and yet another opportunity for us to engage with the society, aligning with our corporate social responsibility. The tournament, into its seventh edition, has grown in stature, making a positive impact on the members of Qatar’s community using the power of football. It’s a matter of pride for the QSL to organise a highly popular event that provides all sports fans with a platform to play the game, keep them healthy and test their footballing skills."
Fatma Al Nuaimi, the SC’s Communications Director, said: “The Workers’ Cup is now firmly established as a key tournament in Qatar’s sporting calendar.
“Over the years we’ve seen the event contribute to improving the health and wellness of people engaged on 2022 FIFA World Cup™ projects and I’ve no doubt this year’s tournament will bring more success – both on and off the field.
“I’m looking forward to a stand-out edition of the tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck.”