Qatar will take on top Philippines team Globalport Batang Pier today in what would be a farewell match for retired Qatar star Yaseen Ismail Musa. The match will be played at the Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd at 7pm.
Musa, 35, announced his international retirement in 2013 but continued to star for his club Al Rayyan who have won several national and regional titles.
QBF President Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is leading elaborate arrangements for a match to recognise Musa’s dedicated service to the national team and the sport. Sheikh Saoud has also appointed Musa as technical adviser to the QBF to use his vast experience for raising the standard of various national teams.
“Musa has served the nation quite long and produced great results. They did not come easy as he had to make a lot of personal and physical sacrifices all these years,” Sheikh Saoud said earlier in the year when plans were announced for his farewell.
“I’ve also made Musa as the technical adviser. He is a perfect role model for the young generation and I believe that the QBF can benefit immensely from his massive experience,” Sheikh Saoud added.
Besides starring for the national team, the Al Rayyan Club team also prospered with Musa’s presence on the court. He won almost everything that a club can hope for.
In 2014, Al Rayyan Club also won the prestigious Arab Clubs Championship.
His illustrious international career lasted 23 years, during which Musa, who wore No. 10 T-shirt, amassed 46 titles for Al Rayyan Club and 16 for the national team. His closing years for the national team were really inspiring as he switched to 3x3 format and helped Qatar bag the Asian and world titles.
“It was a tough call for me. I was contemplating about my retirement for two years after leaving the national team. However, I feel that it is the right time for me retire from even from the club team,” Musa said.
“The national team and the club side are on the right track. The Qatar U-18 team won the FIBA 3x3 title in Astana, Kazakhstan. A good bunch of players are all set to take the Qatar team to next level. Al Rayyan also have a good group of young players,” he said.
“I still remember that it was in 1995 when we had won the GCC junior title. We started almost from scratch and kept building the team year after year. Overall, I bagged 46 titles for Al Rayyan and 16 for the national team. I don’t think if I’ve anything missing,” added Musa.
 Al Rayyan Club will also retire Musa’s No 10 jersey.