Gambia midfielder Tijan Jaiteh and his Qatari side Al-Markhiya Sports Club are set to leave their comfort zone in Doha to travel to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia for a two-week pre-season training camp.
The Scorpions international, who joined Al-Markhiya from Israeli club Bnei Yehuda last month, is set to be a mainstay in midfield as his side continue their preparations for the 2017/18 Qatar Stars League (QSL) season, which kicks off in mid-September featuring 12 clubs after the Qatar Football Association’s decision to decrease the number from 14.
Tijan, a former SK Brann, Sandefjord and Kuopion Palloseura midfielder, said he looks forward to working hard to prove himself in the Qatar Stars League, adding he did not hesitate when he received the offer to join Al Markhiya.
“Playing in Qatar is a great honour for any professional who wants to prove his abilities. I studied the clubs of the QSL and I am ready to embark on a positive new experience,” he opined.
Al-Markhiya are looking to have a strong presence as they return to the top flight after several seasons in the lower division.
They begin their training camp on August 21 before returning back to the Qatari city of Doha on September 5.
They recently lost 3-2 in their last pre-season match played against their Qatari league rivals Umm Salal last weekendwith the former Gambia U17 and U20 prodigy featuring the entire match. By ML Beyai
