Shaikh Salman questioned!

For viewers of the excellent Qatari channel "Aldawri walkas" (league & cup), yesterday's "Almajlis" show was quite intresting.

Their set was recreated in the UAE to follow up on the 18th Gulf Tournament. As you must know, Bahrain got slaughtered as usual. So they were discussing that.

Amongst the crowds, were the Bahraini goal keeping icon Mr. Hmood Sultan as usual, and Shaikh Salman Alkhalifa, the top man of the Bahrain Football Association as a guest.

Simply put, the man was under a barrage of questions from Qatari, Iraqi, Saudi guests and others. Basically everyone asked in a nice way: "Why do Bahrain suck?"

The local media have often complained that opening the doors to make Bahrain players pro was bad as it hurts the team. And that's something Sh. Salman stated as well. but.. a smart man popped up and asked: "How can you say turning players pro is bad, while Matchala (Oman's coach) says its the best thing that ever happened to his players?". Here's a loose translation:

"Well, our coach have noticed that the professional players stamina is under what we require"

"How come? They play as first line start ups in the Qatari league, never missed a match or a practice. I'd understand if they were subs but they're not"

"well.. I'm simply quoting what our coach is saying"

"What do you think?"

"Well, they're awfully tiered because of all the matches they play"

"That can't be right! The Qatar league players have returned to their home teams in Oman Bahrain & Qatar itself. Why isn't this affecting them?"

"um.. well.. you see, being away so long, they lack the coordination and understanding achieved by staying under our supervision"

"yes, but the same goes for the other teams and they do not have that problem. Further more, most of your team players are playing together since '98!"

"....."

I couldn't believe it! They were really putting him on the spot! But they were right, whatever reasons we repeat for our failures, aren't exclusive to us. it only affects us. nice.

Khalid Jassim (the host) asked him later about our "imported" players (for those who don't know: there were several non Bahraini's given passports in order to compete for Bahrain. Both for football and other sports), Shaikh Salman said that he can't comment. His response was nice as he said: "As long as there are legal documents proving they are Bahraini citizens, I can't really treat them as not."

Interesting, but the host followed up "And how did they become citizens?"

"They meet certain criteria"

"How?"

"I did not take the decision to make them nationals"

"Who did?"

"Clubs."

"Do they have that power?"

"The government only does"

"And we know that the people behind these clubs have strong connections with the government. Right?"

I swear, he must have thought it was a simple guest appearance. I didn't even think they'll cross examine the man ON LIVE TV like that. But its true, Bahrain's team have little reasons to suck. There are problems but I have the feeling that I hear fake, unaccountable problems. It will all lead to some rotten smell. Whether turning a blind eye to the mediocre performances, or the shady reasons why coaches leave and infrastructure is poorer than that of a decent school.

I give it about 2 years before a real football scandal surfaces. Everyone hates it, everyone smells fish. While the BFA's PR says "We're A-OK!". Surely that can't last long.

this post is dedicated to my friend Nawaf. No reason, he simply asked me to dedicate it to him. God knows why.

Saudi trumps Bahrain 2/1

Ah but of course.

Bahrain played against Saudi Arabia an hour ago in the 18th Gulf cup. And lost.

While Bahrain lead the score through a penalty kick, Saudi soon scored back the same way.

What made matters worse is that 2 Bahraini players got sent off. Saudi's squad simply dominated the match thereafter, albeit with little effect. Its only logical that eventually they'll score and that they did.

*sigh* can't say I watch the match expecting otherwise. I did expect poor performance, but I didn't expect that 2 players get sent off. And it seems that the main goalie (Abdulrahman Abdulkarim) probably injured his left knee. great!

Mohammed Hussain (DF) got into a rage after being sent off (2nd yellow). Most people do but his rage was quit long! He was very persistent and violent, it took about 3 players, a coach assistant and a slap from the coach himself to get him in order and out of the pitch. That's gonna leave a black spot on his record there.

Ah well... Here's hoping for better results.

18th Gulf Cup launched

The 18th Gulf Cup Tournament have launched yesterday in Abu Dhabi, UAE. with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman & Yemen Participating.

I love these tournament. I don't know, but you can smell the rivalry in the air. Its like when two neighbouring schools play. Here, everyone wants to best the other, and to some, its more important that the world cup, because you see, you can rub it in your neighbour's face afterwards! :)

Yesterday UAE played the opening with Oman, which ended in a 2/1 score in favor of the Omanis. The ref was tough. But I can't cut any slack for the Emarati team who were obviously violent.

And to my surprise, Yemen beat Kuwait to score in a match ended in a draw. The Yemen team was always a pushover. Of course being high on Qat does that. HOWEVER, Qat was banned this tournament and whuddya know? Yemen got an amazing 3 pass efortless goal! Kuwait was lucky to draw with a penelty kick goal. They deserved to lose.

Yeah I know, the skill levels are lacking. But still, this rivalry smell is so tempting!