NATIONAL team coach Sergio Batista has urged the citizens of Bahrain to support the team when they take on North Korea tomorrow (starting at 6.40pm) in the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asia Cup qualifiers.
Bahrain later travel to Qatar for their third match of the qualifiers against Yemen on September 8.
North Korea currently top Group ‘H’ with six points. The Philippines are also on six points but below North Korea in standings on goal difference.
Bahrain are third, Uzbekistan fourth and Yemen fifth with no points. Bahrain have a goal difference of -1, Uzbekistan -2 and Yemen -3.
Importance
Batista spoke about the importance of having the fans support in a game like this. “North Korea is a tough opponent, they managed to beat Uzbekistan and they will be playing for a draw, but we have to take good advantage of playing on our home ground and in front of our fans,” he said.
Batista also stressed the difference fans can make to the team. “They give the players confidence and support, and if we manage to win the match, it will be a new start to our qualification journey,” he said.
In support to Batista’s request, Al Hidd Club have cancelled all sports activities scheduled for Thursday and instead have launched a campaign within the club under the name of “Bahrain Deserves.”
This campaign was launched to raise awareness of the match and the support the national team needs.
They have also requested the General Organisation of Youth and Sports to offer buses to transport the fans from the club to the stadium.
“We agreed to the idea of this campaign because we are fully aware that the national team is in need of our fans support. It is our national duty,” said president of Al Hidd Club Ahmed Salem Al Musallam.
Entrance to the game is free of charge.
Batista is also keen on changing the image of the national team. “I am hoping to change the image of the national team after the last game against the Philippines. I have faith to do so and show the fans what the team is really like,” he said.