Portuguese coach Helio Sousa, who guided Bahrain to their first-ever Gulf Cup title in 2019, says that the national team has all the tools to become champions once again.
Speaking with the GDN by phone last night in an exclusive interview, Sousa described the kingdom’s internationals as “fantastic” and “a special team”, who are more than capable of capturing the crown in tonight’s final against Oman.
“They are fantastic players, and more importantly fantastic persons,” Sousa, who was in charge of the senior men’s squad from 2019 to 2023, told the GDN.
“They have quality, they have competence, and they have a very special fire when they play for the national team.
“They always want to honour the country and are almost unbeatable when they are fighting for Bahrain. They are a fantastic group, a special team, and they can achieve the Gulf Cup again.”
Several players currently on Bahrain’s Gulf Cup squad were also part of the 2019 roster, including Sayed Mohammed Jaafar, Ismaeel Abdullatif, Sayed Mahdi Baqer, Komail Al Aswad, Jassim Al Shaikh, Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Ali Madan, Mahdi Humaidan, Waleed Al Hayyam, Mohammed Adel, Mohammed Jassim Marhoon, Abdulwahab Al Malood, and Sayed Dhiya Saeed.
“The team has all the conditions to become champions and they deserve it,” Sousa added. “I am sure they will try their best in the final and leave it all on the pitch.”
The 55-year-old highlighted that he maintains close ties with Bahrain’s players and, with their Gulf Cup triumph, will always share that historic achievement with one other.
“Every time I speak with them, we remember this unforgettable moment,” Sousa said. “For sure, it has created a bond between us and we all want the best for each other.
“My heart is for Bahrain, and I am waiting for the moment that they win the Gulf Cup again.”
Bahrain clinched their sole Gulf Cup championship after beating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the 2019 final, ending a wait of nearly 50 years. Bahrain hosted the first-ever edition of the regional competition in 1970 but had never won until its 24th event. They also finished as runners-up four other times.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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