REAL Madrid star striker Karim Benzema will be a special guest at the final of the Nasser bin Hamad Ramadan Tournament - Nasser 11 to be held on Thursday at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.
Benzema posted a video on Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s personal Instagram account announcing his Bahrain visit. It came soon after Real Madrid won the Champions Trophy in Kiev, Ukraine, beating Liverpool 3-1 on Saturday night.
Benzema scored the first goal for Real Madrid in the 51st minute before Sadio Mane equalised for Liverpool four minutes later.
Gareth Bale then scored two fantastic goals in the 64th and 83rd minutes to steer Real Madrid to its third successive Champions Trophy.
Shaikh Nasser has ‘excellent relations of friendship’ with Benzema.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated Benzema and Real Madrid fans for their victory and also expressed pride over the performance of Egyptian star Mohammed Salah right through the season.
The High Organising Committee of Nasser 11 said it would take full advantage of the French star’s presence at the final and allow his fans to meet him.
“We are focusing at the moment on showcasing the event in a manner it deserves. We are working with the available resources to ensure the event is a tremendous success,” said Nasser 11 manager Rashid Al Boaineen.
On the other hand, Hamad Ali Hussain, head of the closing ceremony, said that all preparations were in place for the final.
Entertainment
“There will be a lot of entertainment during the final,” said Hussain.
Victorious striker Esra Amer expressed great pride in taking part in Nasser 11 though his team bowed out in the quarter-finals, losing to Al Nawayef in a thrilling penalty shootout.
“We played a good match, but we were eliminated in a heart-breaking manner. But we are proud of our performances,” he said.
Budaiya Club coach Abdulmonem Al Dekheel said that he was keenly watching five players taking part in Nasser 11 and negotiations have been opened to sign them.
“I need players in all positions, but a striker in particular.
“We are going to play in the Bahrain’s top flight next season so we have to reinforce our squad,” he added.