Appendix

SME – By Ali Al-Basha
Alialbasha540@gmail.com
Bahrain and A’ali maintained their positions in the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League after the end of the promotion play-off matches, at the expense of Al-Hala and Isa Town. I believe that the biggest loser is Al-Hala, as A’ali benefited from the direct confrontation clause, and the goal difference did not help them at all.
I believe that despite the system’s injustice, its standards were clear from the beginning and are recognized continentally. Therefore, Al-Ghazal and Al-Fakhar have the right to rejoice in their survival. Meanwhile, Al-Hala and Isa Town must return to the Shadow League as they were and work harder next season to avoid a play-off, which may be more difficult.
Indeed, A’ali deserves to be commended for maintaining their position in the Premier League despite their recent presence in the football arena. This is thanks to the strong support it receives from its honorary president, who has championed its development between the first and second divisions by recruiting new professionals. It also benefits from the support of “ambition.” However, this survival requires greater support to avoid the same situation next season. Just as the “qualitative” changes occurred in the second division, so too should the new season be. As long as the support continues, it will be able to “replenish” itself with better players, especially in certain positions such as defense and goalkeeping. The same applies to the “Gazelle” of Bahrain, breaking the “back and forth” rule. It is one of the traditional teams in the league, and has provided national teams with the best players throughout its history, winning the “title” several times. It must start from where it left off in the “playoff” by developing itself with players who can correct the “shortcomings” it suffered from. As for Al-Hala and Isa Town, they must “reboot” themselves and work to compete strongly from the start, without waiting for the “playoff.” Because the Shadow League next season will be (in my opinion) stronger than the one that ended with the joining of two clubs that only want it as a rest stop and other clubs that will be stronger and more eager to advance than before.