Day 3 of 12: Riseleh Sarafand’s Preparations. Interview with Coach Mohamad Khalife

The only team representing South Lebanon: Riseleh Sarafand. They joined the first division in 2012 where they finished 7th. Coach Mohamad Khalife joined us in a brief interview in which we discussed the following:

Q: When did the team start preparations, and how many training sessions per week is the team performing?
A: We started training with our Lebanese players at the beginning of November, but of course we could not practice the starting lineup until our foreign players joined us which was in December. We were having three training sessions per week in November and until mid-December. After that we were having two additional days for games, making them in total five days of practice per week.

Q: What are the team’s goals this year in the championship?
A: Our primary goal is to reach the Final 8, and have no difficulty in doing so. We signed the Lebanese setter Amin El Kass to help us get to this goal with comfort. Our secondary goal is to try reaching the Final 6 stage.

Q: Which team do you consider to be your hardest opponent?
A: Zahra El Mina for sure. Additionally when playing against Anwar, our team can play until a certain point where their experience helps them make a difference. There is also Bouchrieh and Tannourine. These four teams we would play against them to prove ourselves.

Q: What are the advantages that your team has over its rivals?
A: This year, our main difference is our Lebanese setter, Amin, whose level is similar to a foreign player. We are giving him complete freedom while playing, and he is proving himself to be up to this responsibility game by game. We believe that he will be giving even more in the upcoming championship games.

Q: What are the latest results that your team has achieved from friendly games?
A: Our game results were:
Dalhoun 3-1 Riseleh Sarafand
Dalhoun 3-1 Riseleh Sarafand
Sacre Coeur 2-3 Riseleh Sarafand
Riseleh Sarafand 3-0 Sacre Coeur
Riseleh Sarafand 3-0 Hboub
Anwar 3-1 Riseleh Sarafand

Q: What are your expectations for your first game this season which will be against Bouchrieh?
A: Each team should know their level and potentials. We know that there is a fine gap between our level and that of Bouchrieh, who were third last year. This being our first game, our cards are not yet revealed; Therefore, we will give it all we have. Almost all teams are alike. Hopefully if we play our best and we could win.

Game 1:
Bouchrieh vs Riseleh Sarafand
Date: Tuesday, 12 January 2016
Time: 7:30PM
Court: M. Murr Stadium

Bouchrieh vs Riseleh Sarafand history since 2009:

Riseleh Sarafand’s history since 2009: