On My Responsibility
SME – By Ali Al-Basha
Alialbasha540@gmail.com
With our local clubs entering the preparation phase for the 2025/2026 football season, their primary concern is signing contracts, whether local or international. This depends on their financial capacity, commensurate with their financial plan, and whether they have investments that reinforce official support.
To date, we have not heard of any significant signings that would strengthen the clubs and the Bahraini Premier League (both its two divisions). This is because local players are exaggerating the value of their transfers from one club to another. Some even set figures that are not consistent with their level, and some exploit the media, receiving two, if not more, local offers!
As for the issue of international signings, it remains more difficult because a player with an outstanding level of performance has a market value that is too high for any local club to bear. This is something everyone involved in administrative or technical roles agrees upon. Even if an exceptional player does appear, his presence will be nothing more than a bridge to the Gulf League. Therefore, it’s not surprising that we haven’t attracted (foreign) professionals who would make a technical difference. This is something everyone working in the local football community knows, and it’s no secret. However, most of our clubs don’t apply the proverb “Extend your hooves to your heart.” The proverb applies to this: “I listen to your words and believe you… I see your actions and I’m surprised.”
In my opinion, the matter requires a feasibility study by the clubs regarding the number and quality of professionals they need, based on the positions that meet their competitive ambitions and in line with financial aspects. The need may be for three technically and competitively influential players, instead of six who are unproductive!
In any case, the feasibility study must be subject to criteria that culminate in its ability to serve our national team. This study should be conducted by relevant entities, such as the General Sports Authority, the Football House, the clubs, and Tamouh (as a supporting company) to study our need for a league that ultimately serves the national team.
