Since its inauguration, Doha Metro has been an exquisite travel experience, both for the residents and visitors of Qatar. The Doha Metro service witnessed an increased number of passengers recently when people from Doha headed towards the newly built Al Janoub Stadium to watch the Amir Cup final.
The residents enjoyed both the experience of travelling in the metro service and watching the final match in the stadium. Among other prominent spectators and travellers was also Faizel Moosa, Ambassador of South Africa. He along with his family and expatriate South African community members boarded the metro from City Centre to reach the stadium.
Community interacted with the ambassador and asked him to share his experience of travelling via metro service and watching the final match at the new stadium.
“First of all, I want to thank His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani for inviting me to the opening of the new Al Janoub Stadium to witness the final of the Amir Cup between Al Saad and Al Duhail.”
Talking about his experience of using the metro for the very first time, he said, “Some of the South African community members, including my wife Anik and my football crazy son decided to opt for the newly-opened metro rail from City Center to go to Al Wakrah. It was truly a remarkable experience. The train arrived on time at the station.
“When I was at the station waiting for the train, I met Ahmed, SASOL Accessible Qatar Ambassador. He is in a wheelchair, but as all of us had a great experience using the metro, Ahmed also found it very easy to access the station and the metro train.”
The ambassador added, “The train took exactly 24 minutes from the City Centre to Al Wakrah stop. The train stopped at many stations in between as more and more people embarked on the train on their way to the very exciting Amir Cup final.”
Ambassador Moosa also enjoyed the fanfare at the opening of the stadium. He said, “The opening of the stadium was done with great fanfare and was in itself a spectacular event which culminated in a very impressive fireworks display.
“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Supreme Committee for the opening of its second stadium for FIFA Football World Cup 2022. Al Janoub is surely a piece of art when it comes to the world cup stadia.”
He added, “As South Africans who have the experience of hosting the Football World Cup in 2010, we congratulate Qatar for their enthusiasm and determination to ensure that they deliver an amazing world cup as South Africa did against all odds.
“As South Africans, we also want to play a significant role to ensure that Qatar delivers an amazing World Cup event. We have therefore embarked upon a volunteers programme whereby South African living in Qatar as well as others from South Africa can come and be part of the great event. This volunteers’ project is headed by South Africa’s very own sports star Brad Habana. Finally I wish to congratulate Al Duhail Football Club for winning the Amir Cup and having played a great match.”
He added, “Danny Jordan who delivered the 2010 World Cup for South Africa was also present at the Amir Cup and we are seriously considering bringing the South African Professional Football League winners to Qatar for a friendly match with the winners of the Amir Cup. Discussions between South Africa and the Supreme Committee in this regard are currently underway.”
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