BASKETBALL – MUHARRAQ are “locked in” and determined to retain the coveted title when they lock horns with bitter rivals Manama tonight in the final of the 2025-26 Khalifa Bin Salman Cup.
The highly anticipated contest is scheduled for a 7pm tip-off at Khalifa Sports City Arena in Isa Town.
The tournament’s defending champions are aiming for their third crown overall as they hope to draw level with Manama, who share the record for most championships in the annual competition with Al Ahli on three apiece.
Looking ahead to this evening’s clash, Muharraq skipper Bader Abdulla Malabes says that he and his teammates have all eyes on their target.
“The team is locked in,” Malabes told the GDN yesterday. “We’ve had a strong week of preparation, good intensity in practice, and everyone is focused.
“We’re expecting a tough game against Manama – they’re a very experienced and well-organised team, so we know it’s going to be a battle for 40 minutes. We have to have the right energy from the start.”
The Khalifa Bin Salman Cup is one of the most prestigious annual basketball tournaments organised by the Bahrain Basketball Association, and winning the crown would earn Muharraq already their second trophy of this campaign. They previously lifted the 2025-26 Bahrain Super Cup last November – a game in which they also defeated Manama.
“Winning the Khalifa Bin Salman Cup would mean a lot,” added Malabes. “It’s one of the biggest titles here, and it would be huge for our season, for the club, and for the fans.
“Plus, it’ll be the club’s first back-to-back winning this title.”
The contest will be the fifth meeting between the two sides this season. Along with the Bahrain Super Cup, they also played each other thrice in the premier division of the 2025-26 Zain Bahrain Basketball League. Muharraq triumphed all four times.
Muharraq are coached by German tactician Peter Schomers. They boast arguably the most talented Bahraini contingent in the kingdom, led by Malabes, and including Mohammed Ameer, Mahmood Abbas Isa, Mohammed Juma’a, Younes Kowayed, Nader Ali, Ali Hussain, and Wayne Chism, among others. They also have a formidable professional pairing in Nick West and Kris Clyburn.
Manama, on the other hand, are guided by veteran Bahraini coach Salman Ramadhan. Manama too have a strong line-up of local talent, composed of court general Ahmed Salman, Ali Jaber, Mohammed Buallay, and Hasan Nowrooz. Their imports are Alex Young and Romeo Enan.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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